Demonstrating their encouragement and promotion for the secure employment of members of the Guard and Reserve as well as veterans, MDU Resources Group, Inc. President and CEO Terry Hildestad has announced his company will be signing a new formal "Statement of Support," with the North Dakota Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The new Statement of Support emphasizes employment of Guard and Reserve members as well as veterans.

Hildestad notes MDU Resources Group, Inc. has over 725 employees nationwide who are members of the Guard and Reserve, or who are veterans having completed their military service. "We're proud of our employees who are serving and who have served our country, and we deeply appreciate the sacrifices they and their families make for all of us," Hildestad said.  "With the signing of this Statement of Support, MDU Resources Group proudly reaffirms its commitment to America's part-time citizen warriors and its veterans."

Newly named Chair of the North Dakota ESGR Committee, and retired District Judge Robert O. Wefald reported the Statement of Support from MDU Resources will be signed in a ceremony at 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, October 18 in the Boardroom of MDU Resources Group, Inc., 1200 West Century Avenue in Bismarck.

Wefald's position as Chairman is voluntary, but his appointment comes through the Office of the Secretary of Defense.  ESGR is an agency of the Defense Secretary's Office and is charged with the mission of gaining
support from employers all across the country to make sure America's Citizen Soldiers, Sailors, Aviators, Marines and Coast Guardsmen can secure, hold and return to jobs when they are called to defend our country, report for training or provide disaster assistance closer to home.

 Wefald, who's appointment as ND ESGR State Chair became effective on October 1 reported, "It's great to be back with ESGR after an absence of twelve years while I served as a judge," adding, "I am very pleased my first job as North Dakota ESGR Chair is to work with MDU Resources Group in reaffirming their support for our Guard and Reserve forces and for our veterans."  Wefald also noted impending drawdowns of active forces means the Guard and Reserve will play a larger role in our national defense, saying, "The support of employers for members of the Guard and Reserve is even more important."

Wefald reported MDU Resources Group, Inc. is the first employer in North Dakota to sign the new Statement of Support.  "MDU's support is particularly important as its support will serve as a model for other North Dakota
businesses as they too support for our Guard and Reserve, and our veterans," he said.

MDU Resources Group, Inc. is the largest company based in North Dakota with 2010 revenues of $3.9 billion dollars.