(Murrieta, CA) The Southern California Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that the City of Murrieta, recently signed a Statement of Support (SoS). A Statement of Support is a symbolic proclamation that publicly states an employer’s commitment to support its employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

In the City Council Chamber filled with patriotic residents of Murrieta, the crowd stood and applauded loudly as Mayor Pro Tem Gary Thomasian signed  a Statement of Support (SoS) affirming the city’s commitment to it’s citizen warriors serving our country in the Guard and Reserve. The SoS signing was a direct result of National ESGR’s efforts at the recent United States Conference of Mayors.  A challenge letter was sent to all mayors throughout our great nation to support our Guard and Reservists by signing a Statement of Support.  Prior to the Murrieta SoS signing, Brian Ambrose, Senior Management Analyst for the City of Murrieta, provided SgtMaj Rudy Obad, Southern California ESGR volunteer, and Larry Gonzales, Southern California ESGR Staff member, a tour of the City’s proposed veteran’s memorial site, adjacent to the City Council chambers.  The memorial will honor all of its citizens that have served our country in the Armed Forces.

In addition to the Mayor Pro Tem, the Chief of Police, Mark Wright, and Fire Chief, Paul Christman, inked their names to Statements of Support.  It is worthy to note that the City of Murrieta is a growing and thriving community situated in the Moreno Valley and is a vital part of the Inland Empire in Southern California.  The city is strategically situated north of Camp Pendleton, CA and is called home by numerous Active Duty and Reservist and Guardsmen.

“This is the right thing to do and the right time to do it”, said Mr. Peter Gravett (Major General, Retired), Chairman of the Southern California ESGR Field Committee.  “Municipalities are one of the largest employer segments of National Guardsmen and Reservists in the country.  I am asking all of California’s cities, towns, and villages to re-affirm that their current human resources policies are a leading example of compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).”

As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR provides education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling the Southern California Committee of the ESGR at 562-936-1746.