When representatives of Rhode Island's ESGR got together with Leadership Rhode Island for an informative and fun day of flying in the new C-130-J military aircraft from Quonset, and watching the navy train at Newport, the reality of civilians defending our country became clear for any business organization losing part its workforce to national security.

Leadership Rhode Island, created by the late Governor Bruce Sundlun in 1981 is designed to provide leaders from various businesses who have knowledge and access to resources to positively affect their communities.

More than 50 Leadership Rhode Island people joined the ESGR for briefings from The Adjutant General and Commanding General of the Rhode Island National Guard, Major General Kevin McBride who congratulated Leadership Rhode Island and the ESGR for their efforts. General McBride is a 1980 graduate of URI with a degree in engineering and has always been a leader at every level of his career both in and out of the military.

Brigadier General Mark Jannitto, a member of Leadership Rhode Island reminded those in attendance  " Your role as employers is key to the guard and reserve effort."  One of the ESGR slogans, in the form of a question, is "What could a member of the guard and reserve bring to your organization?"

It is part of the ESGR's Employment Initiative Program.

Companies represented included CVS, AAA, Hasbro, Johnson and Wales and the Providence Police Department along with many others.  The state of the art C 130-J model took the group on an 80 minute flight over Rhode Island before touching down at Quonset for a bus trip to Newport and lunch at the Officer's Club.

The Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron 8 was training during the tour. It is an intense combat training period due to the squadron's pending deployment.  The squadron's deputy commander, Lt. Colonel Joe Hanrahan, said "
Without the employers we couldn't make it."  Navy Commander Andrew R. Wood summed up much of the day when he said, "

ESGR is a critical part of the navy's total force. Civilian leaders and employers truly made a difference."

Rhode Island Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is creating a working relationship with employers to "Educate,Recognize and Mediate" any potential conflicts.