Proclamation salutes service members and expresses gratitude to employers
Vermont Business MagazineVermont Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), locally representing ESGR, a Department of Defense agency, announced that Governor Phil Scott has signed a proclamation declaring August 19-25, 2018 as Vermont Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. This proclamation mirrors the spirit and intent of a Presidential Proclamation signed earlier in the week, giving gratitude to our many employers who have provided exceptional support to our citizen warriors.
In the nearly 17 years of continuous military operations since September 11, 2001, employers across the Nation have remained committed to supporting their employees who serve in the military. In Vermont, well over 2,000 employers have been impacted by the various deployments of the Army and Air National Guard, and of the Army, Air, and Navy Reserves. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week is a time to honor those who serve in the Guard and Reserve, while giving thanks to their employers, whose support is a critical component of the Guard’s readiness and our national defense.
In concert with the National proclamation of ESGR Week, Headquarters, ESGR will also present the Secretary of Defense Freedom Award to 15 national-level finalists. The Freedom Award is the most prestigious award given to a civilian employer of a Guard or Reserve member. In Vermont, the University of Vermont, the University of Vermont Medical Center, both of Burlington, and Rescue, Inc., of Brattleboro, were among 149 semi-finalists for that award out of over 3,330 nominations nationwide.
Jean O’Sullivan, Chair of the Vermont ESGR Committee, stated that, “We are fortunate in that employers in Vermont have traditionally been extraordinarily supportive of their employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve. They want to do the right thing, with or without federal regulatory requirements. We believe that they serve as well, by supporting their dual-career employees.”
About Vermont ESGR:
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain 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 the employment of Guardsmen, and Reservists, who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.