ESGR

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LAST UPDATE:  17 Sep 07

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

www.esgr.com

Comments and Questions

Information for Employees and Employers

MISSION - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense organization.  We provide free education, consultation, and if necessary; mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  ESGR's goal is to support America's employers who share their employees with the nation ensure our national security.

ESGR - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is an agency of the Office of the  Secretary of Defense, operates programs directed toward U.S. employers, employees, and communities to ensure understanding of the role of Reserve component members.  ESGR encourages development of employer policies and practices to facilitate employee participation in the Reserve components through a network of 4,500 volunteers in 54 local ESGR Committees.

USERRA - Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act protects the employment rights of individuals who voluntary leave employment positions to undertake military service.  USERRA also prohibits employers from discriminating against past and present members of the uniformed services, and applicants to the uniformed services.

AWARDS and RECOGNITION - The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (NCESGR) sponsors an awards program designed to recognize employers for employment policies and practices that are supportive of their employees' participation in the National Guard and Reserve.  All employer recognition and awards originate from nominations by individual Reserve component members.  Employer awards include:

• Patriot Award

• PRO PATRIA Award

• Employer Support Freedom Awards

FIVE-STAR STATEMENT OF SUPPORT PROGRAM - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) has implemented a 5-Star Statement of Support Program to provide employer recognition.  Previously there was only one Statement of Support (SOS) certificate available to employers.  The 5-Star program was initiated to recognize employers who offer a greater level of support to their guard and reserve employees than required by law.  The new program allows employers to receive certificates ranging from a 1-Star to a 5-Star, based on their level of support.  For more information, contact Penelope Harbour, GA ESGR Program Support Specialist at 678-569-6037.

Establishing A Successful ESGR Progam

1. Update employer information for all service members in unit on GANG Form 0015.  Submit forms to the State ESGR Office. 
2. Establish relationship with local ESGR volunteer.
3. Become familiar with ESGR programs.
4. Provide yearly USERRA briefing to service members.
5. Recognize employers with Patriot Award submissions.
6. Keep employers involved and informed (Briefing with the Boss, Boss-Lifts, etc).
7. Establish community support and awareness by having employers and community leaders sign Statements of Support.

INFORMATIONAL DOCUMENTS:

Contact Information:

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