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(Back row left to right) MG Erroll Schwartz Commander of the DC National Guard, Dr. L. Gordon Sumner, Jr., Ph.D. ESGR Executive Director, Mr. Robert Newman DCESGR Field Committee Chair, Mr. Jim Huske GS Gracuate School Chief of Staff (Front row) Dr. Jerry Ice, President and CEO of GS Graduate School.

Washington, DC – Dr. L. Gordon Sumner, Jr., Ph.D., Executive Director of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Dr. Jerry Ice, Ed.D., President and CEO of the GS Graduate School signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on  April 9, 2009.

The Statement of Support confirms that The Graduate School joins thousands of America’s employers in pledging: 

• To fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• 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 Federal Government Agencies and District of Columbia 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 Sumner. “Many Federal Government Agencies and District of Columbia 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 criteria, Sumner said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, The Graduate School management will stand proudly with its 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”.

“The Graduate School provides education and training opportunities for returning Guard and Reserve members to restart careers and advance professionally, said Ice.  “We, at the Graduate School, appreciate all who fulfill their duties with the National Guard and Reserve and we thank them for their service. We take this opportunity to encourage other institutions of higher learning nation-wide to join us in collaboration with ESGR. We recognize the importance of supporting the Guard and Reserve and look forward to serving your continuing education needs”.

The Graduate School is an adult continuing education organization offering a variety of academic programs and serving training needs that correspond with the demands of your agency. We offer flexible formats and delivery options that include traditional instructor-led classrooms and distance learning. Our diverse curriculum is designed to meet the needs of professionals at all levels. For more information please visit us online at www.grad.usda.gov or call 888.744.4723.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors.