Employee Support of Guard and Reserve (ESGR) began in 1972 when use of the draft ended and it was realized that the Guard and Reserve could be deployed more often and for longer periods. ESGR primarily addresses the needs of part-time military service members and their employers. Their mission is to encourage and promote a positive, supportive relationship between members of the Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers.
Matthew Collins, a volunteer with ESGR was our speaker on July 18. He served for 32 years between active and reserve duties. He started volunteering with ESGR in 2001, just before 9/11. He is now the Employee Outreach Director. He thanked all employers who share their employees with our armed services: National Guard, Air National Guard, and the Reserve of the five serves - Army, Navy, Marine Corp, and Coast Guard.
ESGR provides resources to help both employers and guard/reserve members. They are funded by the Dept of defense with just a few paid staff, but are largely a volunteer force. There are 4500 employees across all states and territories, with about two dozen volunteers in Maine. There is only one paid technician in Maine.
ESGR has a saying – “we all serve”. Guard/Reserve members serve by reporting and performing their duties or training, whether for weekend drill or over a prolonged deployment. Employers serve by allowing their employees leave for duty and keeping their job open, which is no small thing, especially for smaller businesses. Family members serve by taking care of things at home while the service member is deployed. Co-workers serve by taking on extra work to cover for the service member until they return.
Nearly half of all of our current military personnel are in the Guards and Reserves. They perform critical roles both in homeland defense and around the world. Having a robust and trained reserve is more cost effective than having a larger full-time military force. At this time, there are approximately 24,000 Guard/Reserve members mobilized in the war against terror and in other missions.
Today, the need for employer cooperation concerning military service of Guard/Reserve members is greater than ever. The Uniform Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) requires employers to grant leave for Guard/Reserve members. Service members must provide notice as far in advance a possible. Employers may not discriminate against services members for being absent to perform military duties. However, some employers follow the letter of the law, but do so begrudgingly. Fortunately, Matt’s experience in Maine has been excellent with full support of employers. ESGR is grateful to employers for willing compliance with the law and creating a culture that values, respects and honors military service.
ESGR can use more volunteers. Matt has found his volunteer work very rewarding and an opportunity to thank military members for their service. If you are interested, you can contact Matt Collins at digwit1953@roadrunner.com or visit the ESGR website for more information: http://www.esgr.mil/About-ESGR/Contact/Local-State-Pages/Maine