Iowa Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, announced that officials with Lakeside Hotel and Casino, Iowa Steel Fabrication, Clarke County Development Corporation (CCDC), Miller Products and Saylor Realty signed a statement of support for the Guard and Reserve Thursday, April 17. The signing ceremony occurred at each business or organization’s location.
The statement of support confirms the businesses, organizations join other employers in pledging:
• 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 appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and veterans.
• 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 Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all Iowa employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees,” said Dick Rue, Iowa ESGR state chair. “Many Iowa employers provide ‘Above and Beyond’ support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees are mobilized.”
“Lakeside Hotel Casino is proud to hire members of the National Guard and Reserves, as well as veterans at all levels within the organization. We vow to continue our support of those who have given themselves to our county,” said Luke Keller, marketing manager at Lakeside Hotel and Casino.
“Iowa Steel Fabrication proudly supports our active and returning military members. Guard and Reserve Service members are instrumental in protecting our great Nation and the least that we can do is help ensure there are jobs available when they return home. The skills these Service members obtain through their rigorous training aids civilian employers and is yet another reason to extend the welcome mat to our returning heroes of the Iowa National Guard,” said Joe Greving, president of Iowa Steel Fabrication.
“I am always impressed by the commitment demonstrated by our Guard and Reserve members. Being willing to drop everything and take their place in the ranks, for sometimes two years at a time, is a tremendous sacrifice on our behalf. Not to mention their willingness to place themselves in harm’s way to insure our security and quality of life. And, of course, the sacrifice is shared by their families, as well,” said Bill Trickey, executive director of CCDC. “This program is vital to making sure when these patriots return home, they can begin to put their lives back together again. We at CCDC are proud to make our pledge to these great Americans.”
“Jack McFarland, owner of Miller Products Company, is a veteran and former Guard member. He and his management team proudly support the National Guard and Reserve,” said Denis Weise, chief operating officer (COO) of Miller Products Company.
“Saylor Realty, LLC, is pleased to participate in the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve Program and do this in appreciation for the service and dedication that our military provides for the American people. This is a small effort that we can make to assist returning military back into the workforce,” said Helen Saylor Kimes, broker/owner of Saylor Realty, LLC.
These places join a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces, Rue said.
ESGR, a Department of Defense office, seeks to foster a culture where all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.
ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD.
For more information about ESGR outreach programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.