OREGON EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD AND RESERVE

3225 State St. NE, P.O. Box 14350, Salem, OR 97309 Phone: 503-584-2841 Web: www.oresgr.org

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Oregon Employers Who Support the Guard and Reserve

Steve Bason(left) and Rick McReynolds(right) present Guy Berry of CostCo his Statement of Support in Medford.

EMPLOYERS COMMENDED FOR SUPPORTING SOLDIERS

Published: November 7, 2007

BUILDING SUPPORT: Jack Johnson, local liaison for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, passes out ESGR hats during a luncheon held to honor employers.

- Bill Rautenstrauch - The Observer

Area employers of National Guard and Reserve soldiers were honored last Tuesday at a special luncheon at Ten Depot Street in downtown La Grande.

Jack Johnson, area chair of Oregon Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's Region 6, and Bob Elliott, executive director of the Oregon ESGR Committee, praised employers for the sacrifices they make to help keep citizen-soldiers in uniform.

"Without your support the reserve system would fold," Johnson said. "The system depends on family, the employer and the unit. It's a three-legged stool that can't stand with any one leg broken."

The ESGR provides education, consultation and, when necessary, mediation for employers of National Guard and Reserve members. Good relations are highly important, Johnson said.

"Our mission is to gain and maintain support from public and private employers," he said.

Lt. Col. Brian Cole, commander of the Third Battalion, 116th Armored Cavalry, also spoke briefly to the employers.

He said the unit, with headquarters in La Grande, has reorganized since returning from a tour in Iraq two years ago. That reorganization has placed new training demands on many Guard members.

"We've got two tank companies, two infantry companies. We have a little bit of everything now," he said. "It takes a higher level of training to be a citizen soldier in the Guard. As commander, I appreciate the impact that has on employers."

About 25 companies were represented at the luncheon. They included Boise Cascade, which employs 11 National Guard members locally.

Bob Salstrand of Boise said the Guard members and the company work well together.

"They're good employees," Salstrand said. "They always give us notice and we always know what they're doing."


On the right,Dana Greaves. CEO of Vortex Inc, receives the Above and Beyond Award from Rick McReynolds on Wednesday 30 Sep.. Jo Benson is on the left .	Mark Brady of Crater Towing receives the Patriot AwardHe was nominated by SPC Robert Wright.	Jo Stewart, who,works forVORYX, receives The "Statement of Support from Rick McReynolds.

Each employer has a role in maintaining a strong national defense. Today, the National Guard and Reserve are an integral part of our defense forces. More than half of the men and women serving in our armed forces are members of the National Guard and Reserve. Their performance must meet the same standards as their active duty counterparts. However, since they do not serve full-time, the cost to the government is far less.

"Apply the training your employees receive from military duty. It enhances their job performance and value to your organization."

As an employer, you are vital to enabling your employees who are members of the National Guard and Reserve to serve their country. Moreover, your active support and encouragement are key to their success.

Here are some suggestions on how to help them help us all.

Learn more about the role of the National Guard and Reserve. Attend open houses and public functions at military units. Talk with military and civilian leaders about the National Guard and Reserve. Ask your employees about how they fit into the big picture of national defense.
Get to know your employees' military commanders and supervisors. Ask the leaders to provide you with advance notice of your employee's annual military duty schedule and work out conflicts as early as possible.
Put your support in writing by signing a Statement in Support for the National Guard and Reserve. Display it prominently for all your employees and visitors to see. These certificates can be obtained our our local Oregon Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve office.

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Look at your personnel policies. See how they accommodate and support your employees' participation in the National Guard or Reserve. Do your policies include provisions for military leave of absence (exclusive of earned vacation time); do they ensure opportunities and benefits equal to those of other employees?
Get your entire management team to promote your support of the National Guard and Reserve. Explain your position and address concerns as they may arise.
Encourage employee participation in the National Guard and Reserve. Recognize and publicize their dedication and commitment to your business and the nation. Apply the training your employees receive from military duty. It enhances their job performance and value to your organization.
Accept that there may be occasional concerns with your employment of citizen soldiers and their requirements to perform military duty. Seek to resolve any concerns as soon as they arise. Discuss with your employees their service requirements before problem situations arise and keep an open dialog to help prevent them.
Seek assistance from your local ESGR Committee or from the National ESGR. Ask to speak with an ombudsman who will serve as a confidential, neutral liaison for employers and employees who seek assistance or clarification regarding their rights and responsibilities.

"An ombudsman will serve as a confidential, neutral liaison for employers and employees who seek assistance..."