Frederick, MD – On August 13, 2012 Richard “Ric” Adams, IOM, President and CEO Frederick Chamber of Commerce, signed a Statement of Support. Along with thanks from the committee for their demonstrated support for our National Guard and Reserve, Ric also received a “Boss Patriot Pin” as further recognition of his commitment to our citizen soldiers. The statement of support program has been the cornerstone of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves effort to gain and maintain employer support. The intent of the program is to increase employer support of the Guard and Reserve by developing employers that advocate for employee participation in the military.
The Statement of Support confirms that the Frederick Chamber of Commerce joins other employers in pledging that:
• 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 will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflict through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Ralph Prete, Program Support Technician of the Maryland ESGR Committee, at (410) 576-1452.
Left to right:
Ron Pitts, Western ESGR Area Chair
Richard Adams, President & CEO Frederick Chamber of Commerce