Annapolis, Maryland –The Maryland Department of Veteran Affairs’ Secretary, Ed Chow, demonstrated his agency’s support for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve on November 29, 2011 by signing an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve – or ESGR – Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve.

Secretary Chow said, “As a Vietnam veteran, I am pleased to sign this Statement of Support. I want to especially thank the MDESGR for their work with the Maryland Department of Veterans Affairs in helping reserve members return to their civilian employment.”  Mr. George Doetsch, Field Chair, thank Secretary Ed Chow for recognizing the important role of the National Guard and Reserve by signing this Statement of Support.

The National Guard and Reserve make up nearly half of the military force of the United States. Because of this, the men and women of the Guard and Reserve play a key role in our national defense here at home and around the world. The men and women of the National Guard and Reserve cannot successfully accomplish their mission without the continued support of employers who recognize the importance of the Reserve Components in the defense of our nation.

The ESGR Statement of Support program offers a way for employers to show their support for service in the National Guard and Reserve. In signing a Statement of Support employers and organizations pledge to:
• Fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act or USERRA.
• Appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• Recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, crises and war.

Approximately 4,500 volunteers serve on local ESGR Field Committees across the nation. The 56 ESGR Field Committees conduct employer support programs, including informational briefings, mediation and recognition of employers whose policies support or encourage participation in the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR is the lead advocate within the Department of Defense for Reserve Component employers.
 
PHOTO CAPTION: Jean Hulet, Employer Outreach Director, Secretary Ed Chow, Erwin Burtnick, Area Chair, and George Doetsch, Field Chair.