Dallas, Fort Worth, TX – Dr. Jerry Icenhower, P.E., Chair of the Texas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that award-winning actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve on Sunday, December 30, 2011.  The signing ceremony occurred at the Armed Forces Bowl festivities in front of special invitees and marks the beginning of a lasting relationship between ESGR and Mr. Sinise.

The Statement of Support confirms that Gary Sinise joins other employers and prominent Americans 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 Guardsmen, Reservists, and Veterans.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises, and in war.

The Texas Chair thanked Mr. Sinise for his support and made note of several efforts that were initiated by the celebrity in support of our Reserve Component Service members and veteran employees; most notably, his Lt. Dan Band concerts that are presented to deployed service members abroad, his support for goarmy.com commercials, and the establishment of the Gary Sinise Foundation, dedicated to serving our Nation by honoring our defenders, veterans, first responders, their families, and those in need by creating and supporting unique programs designed to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency established in 1972, develops and promotes employer support for Guard and Reserve service.  ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.  For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
1555 Wilson Blvd., Suite 319, Arlington, VA 22209
800-336-4590  www.esgr.mil