Weyerhaeuser Honored by Department of Defense for Extraordinary Support
Camp Murray, WA – Major General Timothy J. Lowenberg and the Washington Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, presented the Weyerhaeuser Company with the ESGR “Above and Beyond” award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Washington National Guard and Reserve. Accepting the award on behalf of Weyerhaeuser was Mr. James Collins, Vice President of Procurement and Energy. Mr. Collins served a long career with the U. S. Army Reserve, retiring in 2005 as Deputy Commanding General of Fort Lewis.
The award ceremony took place at 10:00 am, on Monday, March 24th at the Joint Forces Headquarters, Washington National Guard, Building 1, Camp Murray, WA.
“The ESGR ‘Above and Beyond’ Award was created to publicly recognize American Employers who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units” said Gordon Jacobson, Washington Chairman for ESGR.
Weyerhaeuser joins with thousands of American Employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA). Many 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.
As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions within America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of America’s new Minutemen. ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve members. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Bryon Burgess at 253-512-8468 or bryon.burgess@us.army.mil.
