Oshkosh WI – Dick Vallin, Chairman of the Wisconsin Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Dave Williams, President of the Metal Service Center Institute (MSCI), Wisconsin Chapter,  recently signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on behalf of  Wisconsin Chapter members. He added that Mr. Williams will urge members of his trade association to also participate in the program.

The Statement of Support confirms that MSCI Wisconsin Chapter 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 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 Wisconsin employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA),” said Vallin.
       

When asked about the criteria, Vallin said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, MSCI, Wisconsin Chapter will stand proudly with 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”.

At the signing event Mr. Williams stated that Board deliberations on the invitation to participate in this program were unified as all members felt it was simply the right thing to do. In fact two members of the Chapter already have Statements of Support displayed at their place of business. He extended thanks to the Wisconsin ESGR Committee for offering his trade association the opportunity to participate in such a wonderful public statement of good corporate citizenship. The Chapter Directors were also very happy to learn of The Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces as a powerful workforce search engine to help them find the talent needed at their respective businesses.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defence 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 informal 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.esgr.mil, or by calling Tim Flatley of the Wisconsin ESGR Committee, at 608-242-3169

Wisconsin Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
2400 Wright Street, Madison, WI  53704
Telephone: 608-242-3169 
ESGR on the Web:  www.esgr.mil