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Oklahoma State Chair, Brig. Gen. G Gary Bray (Ret.) and Representatives from the Baker Hughes Centrilift.

Claremore, OK – Mr. Gary Bray, Chairman of the Oklahoma Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Field Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Tad Bohlen, Baker Hughes Centrilift Plant Manager, signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve.     

The Statement of Support confirms that Baker Hughes Centrilift joins with thousands of America’s employers in pledging:  

• To recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
• Ensure that managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• To continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.  I am asking all Oklahoma employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA),” said Bray. “Many Oklahoma employers provide ‘Above and Beyond’ support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees are mobilized.”

When asked about the Statement of Support criteria, Bray said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, Baker Hughes Centrilift managers will stand proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life.  Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”.

In addition to the Statement of Support signing, Baker Hughes Centrilift received the prestigious ESGR “Above and Beyond Award” from the Oklahoma ESGR Field Committee.