Proclamation salutes service members and expresses gratitude to employers
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont 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 2023 as Vermont Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Month. This proclamation mirrors the spirit and intent of a Presidential Proclamation to be signed later this month, giving gratitude to our many employers who have provided exceptional support to our citizen warriors.
In the more than 21 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 2,500 employers have been impacted by the various deployments of the Army and Air National Guard. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Month 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 later in August, 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, GE Aerospace (No. Clarendon, Large Company category), Vermont Telephone Company, Inc. (Springfield, Small Company category) and Tri-Valley Transit (Middlebury, Public Sector category) were among over 140 semi-finalists for that award out of 1,863 nominations nationwide. Previous Freedom Award recipients include National Life Group (Montpelier) and the State of Vermont in 1996.
Sabrina Milano, Vermont ESGR Committee State Chair, stated that, “We are fortunate in that employers in Vermont have traditionally been very supportive of their employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve. They want to do the right thing, with or without federal regulatory requirements. This year, more than ever as the state was challenged by our Summer storms, we honor those employers of our citizen service members for their extra measure of support while serving the state emergency response.
About 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.
Source: 8.15.2023. MONTPELIER, Vt. – Vermont Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
