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 24-28, 2020 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 19 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 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, Revision Military, UVM Medical Center, and USCIS-Vermont Service Center (St. Albans), were among 143 semi-finalists for that award out of 2,623 nominations nationwide.
Charles Martin, 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. We believe that by supporting their dual-career employees, they too are serving.”
File photo caption: VT ESGR members, partners, and supportive employers, from previous year's event during ESGR Week. Due to the absence of an in-person event this year, the photo is from a previous year's event.
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.