Annapolis, Maryland.  Christine V. Walter, Deputy Director Maryland State Council – Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), confirmed the organization’s support for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve on January 31, 2012 by signing an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support.    The ceremony took place at their Legislative Day meeting held in the state capital.

Ms. Walter said “We are very proud to join our National SHRM leadership in support of our employees and associates that are members of the seven reserve components.”  The National Guard and Reserve make up nearly half of the military force of the United States. Because of this, the men and women of the Guard and Reserve play a key role in our national defense here at home and around the world. The men and women of the National Guard and Reserve cannot successfully accomplish their mission without the continued support of employers who recognize the importance of the Reserve Components in the defense of our nation.
The Statement of Support confirms the Maryland State Council – Society for Human Resource Management, joins thousands of other companies and senior level officials 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, crises and war.

Approximately 4,800 volunteers serve on local ESGR State Committees across the nation. The State Committees conduct employer support programs, including informational briefings, mediation and recognition of employers whose policies support or encourage participation in the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR is the lead advocate within the Department of Defense for Reserve Component employers.

PHOTO CAPTION:  (L) Butch Hensel, MD ESGR Executive Director, Christine V. Walters, Deputy Director, Maryland State Council – Society for Human Resource Management.