Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense operational committee, signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve with Paul Mattox, Cabinet Secretary for the West Virginia Department of Transportation, on Sept. 24, pledging that the Department of Transportation supports the hiring of Guard Members and Reservists. The statement was signed during a ceremony in the Secretary’s conference room first floor room 110 of the Department of Highway central office in Building 5 of the Capitol Complex in Charleston. Secretary Mattox was joined by West Virginia ESGR Chair Dan Lanier and Brig. Gen. David Buckalew, Director Joint Staff, West Virginia National Guard.
The Statement of Support confirms the West Virginia Department of Transportation joins other employers in pledging:
• To fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• To appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• To continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
“Support from employers is key to the success of our Soldiers and Airmen,” said Brig. Gen. David Buckalew, Director of Joint Staff, WVNG. “We are very fortunate to have this type of relationship with the Division of Highways, this ESGR committee linkage helps ensure our Guard members continue to live, serve and raise their families here in the Mountain State.”
“The privilege of signing this Statement of Support emphasizes the West Virginia Department of Transportation’s commitment to our men and women, among the 5367 employees, who honorably serve our nation in the Guard and Reserve, in, both training and on active duty,” stated Secretary Mattox. “We look forward to continuing to assist Guards Members, Reservists and Veterans in employment opportunities within the West Virginia Department of Transportation.”
This Statement of Support will hang in Department of Transportation agency facilities across the state. The West Virginia Department of Transportation employs 42 members of the West Virginia National Guard and Reserves.
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. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.
More information about ESGR Employer Outreach is available at www.ESGR.mil or by contacting Rachel Moles, Program Support Technician at 304-341-6262.