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Illinois

Committee Leadership

Ms. Laurie Silvey State Chair
Mr. Mike Holub Vice Chair
Ms. Tammy Peters / Ms. Jackie Barth Awards Director
Mr. Scott Klein / Mr. Brian Gilligan Employer Outreach Director
Mr. Ron Bacci  Military Outreach Director
Mr. Dick Franzen Ombudsman Services Director
Mr. John Orfe Asst. Ombudsman Director
Ms. Amy Malina Public Affairs Director
Mr. Dave MacDonna Training Director
Mr. Patrick Winfrey Volunteer Coordinator

Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is one of 54 ESGR State Committees nationwide working with a common purpose - to promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees who also serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

Illinois ESGR works through a network of dedicated volunteers throughout the state who carry out this mission. Our volunteers conduct employer outreach programs, including informational briefings and events, neutral mediation and recognition of employers whose policies support or encourage military service. We also work to inform and educate thousands of Reserve Component members regarding their rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) and ways to develop and maintain a good relationship their employer.

Contact Information

Kathy Kozak Volunteer Support Technician 8660 W. Cermak Rd.
North Riverside IL 60546
309-567-6111
kathy.a.kozak.ctr@army.mil

CAPT Alex Alderson Program Coordinator 1301 North MacArthur Blvd
Springfield IL 62702
217-761-3070
alexander.d.alderson.mil@army.mil

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News

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March 16, 2023ESGR Announces 2023 James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award Recipients

WASHINGTON – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is pleased to announce the 2023 recipients of the James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award. The recipients are ESGR volunteers nominated by their respective ESGR State Committee Chairs for their exceptional contributions to ESGR’s mission over a sustained period of time.

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March 13, 2023Department of Defense Announces 2023 Employer Support Freedom Award Finalists

WASHINGTON – Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) proudly announces the 30 finalists for the 2023 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The finalists include small and large private and public sector employers nominated by a National Guard or Reserve Component employee employed in their organization. ESGR received 1,863 nominations for this prestigious award for employers throughout the 50 states, Guam-CNMI, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and District of Columbia. 

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January 31, 2023ESGR welcomes new Executive Director

ALEXANDRIA, Va. – U.S. Navy Capt. Jonathan Townsend assumes the duties of Executive Director of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) from U.S. Navy Capt. Robbie Underhill Feb 1. In this role, Townsend leads the Department of Defense ESGR in its mission of facilitating and promoting a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service.

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