Greenfield, IN– Doug Gibbens, Indiana Executive Operating Officer Chair of the Indiana Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Dr. Bobbie Keen, President and CEO of Hancock Regional Hospital signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Tuesday, 4 October, 2011 . The signing ceremony was at the Hancock Regional Hospital.
The Statement of Support confirms that the Hancock Regional Hospital joins other employers in pledging that:
• We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. • We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsman, Reservist and Veterans.
• We will 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 Indiana employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA),” said Mr. Douglas Gibbens. “Many Indiana 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.”
“Since our revolutionary war, countless fellow Americans have stepped up to protect and defend our great nation. Many have made the ultimate sacrifice of their own life. The blood of many of our fellow citizens was shed on the battlefield and in our history. With the sacrifice of so many, the least we can do as a hospital, organization or company, is to honor our men and women who sacrifice daily to help bestow the blessing of liberty upon us all.” Dr. Keen stated in his remarks Tuesday.
When asked about the criteria, Roger Peterman, Indiana State Chairman said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, the Hancock Regional Hospital stands 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 Hancock Regional Hospital joins a cadre of Hoosier employers, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Roger Peterman “By signing the Statement of Support, Dr. Keen is sending a clear message to the Hancock Regional’s employees that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”
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 conflict 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. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.inesgr.org , or by calling Elizabeth Ransom, Program Support Specialist of the Indiana ESGR Committee, at (317) 247-.3241.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
2002 S Holt Road, Indianapolis, IN 46241