Governor signs ESGR Employer Support Week proclamation

Governor Peter Shumlin has signed a proclamation declaring the week of September 22-28 as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Week in Vermont. Present at the ceremony initiated by VT ESGR were Major General Steven Cray, Vermont Adjutant General, Vermont Guard Command Sergeant Major Forest Glodgett, Mr. John DesGroseilliers, US Army Reserve Ambassador for Vermont, Major Chad Young, Commander of the Burlington Army/Army Reserve Recruiting Company, Chief Petty Officer Frank Thompson, representing the Navy (Reserve) Operations Support Center in White River Junction and his employer, Heather Ferrara, President of NE Air, Shawn Bryan, State Chairman for VT ESGR and a number of Vermont ESGR committee members.
The proclamation pays special tribute to the commitment of dedicated and supportive employers who continue to make service in the Reserve Components possible. Shumlin also signed an Employer Statement of Support, reflecting his commitment to Vermont’s citizen soldiers. In a similar spirit, all Vermont employers are encouraged to request and sign a Statement of Support reflecting their own commitment. Please go to: www.egr.mil to request an Employer Statement of Support.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense organization that promotes, recognizes and enhances civilian employer support of citizen soldiers, including the hiring of Guard/Reserve members, all veterans, and military spouses.
P R O C L A M A T IO N
EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD AND RESERVE WEEK
Whereas, National Guard and Reserve forces comprise nearly half of our nation’s military strength, and are essential to America’s national security. Reserve Component forces stand ready to answer the call to serve, whether serving alongside active duty counterparts all across the globe or responding to humanitarian crises at home and abroad; and
Whereas, employers provide critical support to members of the National Guard and Reserve; allowing Citizen Warriors to serve whenever the Nation calls, often foregoing financial gain and making sacrifices in the process; and
Whereas, employer support is stronger than ever, more than 41 years after President Richard Nixon authorized the Secretary of Defense to establish the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR); and
Whereas, our nation is in debt to the Citizen Warriors departing the comforts of home to ensure our freedoms remain intact. Likewise, America pays special tribute to the commitment of dedicated and supportive employers who continue to make service in the Reserve Components possible; and
Now, therefore, I, Peter Shumlin, Governor of the State of Vermont, do hereby declare September 22 ‘ 28 National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve week.
Dated this 18th day of September, 2013.
Peter Shumlin, Governor