FRANKFORT, Ky. (June 29, 2009) – Governor Steve Beshear proclaimed July 2009 as Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve month in Kentucky in a ceremony today at the state Capitol.

Accepting the proclamation was Bob Silverthorn, state field chair for the Kentucky Committee for Support of the Guard and Reserve, Brig. Gen. Michael Richie, Deputy Adjutant General for Kentucky, Brig. Gen. Michael Dornbush, Chief of the Joint Staff for the Kentucky National Guard, and representatives from the various branches of the military reserve and Kentucky National Guard.

“Every day men and women put their lives on the line to honorably defend the United States,” said Gov. Beshear. “In recognition of this commitment, I have designated July as Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Month as a reminder that it is imperative that we show support each and every day for these brave men and women.”

“The Kentucky ESGR volunteer committee appreciates the sacrifices made by our Guard and Reserve personnel,” said Silverthorn. “We understand that the sacrifices of these men and women are in many ways shared by their families and by their employers. We are proud of our citizen warriors as well as the support they receive from their employers.”

Brig. Gen. Richie said, “The Kentucky National Guard cannot successfully accomplish its mission without the great support we get from our civilian employers. Kentucky ESGR plays a key role ensuring that both our soldiers and their employers benefit from our soldiers’ service and deserve a lot of credit for that success. Whenever a citizen-soldier or airman mobilizes for either a theater of war or in support of a state emergency, we know that we can count on the ESGR.”

The proclamation read in part “The Commonwealth of Kentucky has sent men and women to serve honorably in defense of the United States of America since its beginnings; and employers in the Commonwealth of Kentucky are providing extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees … it is appropriate that all Kentucky citizens support the men and women who faithfully serve as members of the military and especially those members of the Kentucky National Guard or Reserve Forces.”

The Governor and Silverthorn are both former Army reservists. Silverthorn, who retired from the Army Reserve as a major general, serves as a volunteer for ESGR. He is a practicing attorney in Louisville.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 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 conflicts through mediation. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil.