(Newport, RI) The Naval War College in Newport, Rhode Island was the picture perfect setting for an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR) “Briefing With the Boss”. An employer appreciation day luncheon followed at The Officers Club on April 18, 2008. Sixteen employers and four ESGR members were given a tour of the Naval War College Museum and the War College by Rear Admiral (Ret) Roger Nolan, Director of the War College Foundation. The luncheon at the Officers Club was hosted by CDR. Stephen V. Burke, Executive Officer of Naval Station Newport.

“This is the right thing to do and the right time to do it! Many employers are uncertain and concerned over their responsibilities to their employees who serve in the Massachusetts National Guard and Reserve. This informative briefing provided the employers with answers to ensure compliance with the USERRA Law, and suggestions on how best to manage their employees who serve their country in the National Guard and Reserve,” said Mr. David StGermain, Program Support Specialist, MAESGR.

Mr. StGermain added, “Since September 11, 2001, more than 600,000 National Guard and Reserve men and women across the United States have left their families and employers to serve on active duty in the Global War on Terrorism. Members of the Guard and Reserve are being mobilized more frequently and could possibly be called to serve more than once in their terms of enlistment. The outpouring of support from the home front has been overwhelming. None of this could have been possible without the strong backing from civilian employers of the brave men and women who serve this great Nation, and the State of Massachusetts.”

During the lunch at the "O" Club, MAESGR Members Roger Fortin, Wayne Theroux, Dave StGermain and Bill Napert sat with the various small groups of employers and answered any and all of their questions.

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.