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South Dakota

Committee Leadership

Mr. James White State Chair
Mr. Ron Mielke Chair Emeritus
Ms. Amy Hanson Lewis and Clark Area Chair
Mr. Randy Rakness Glacial Lakes Area Chair
Mr. Mike Birnbaum Black Hills Area Chair
Mr. Ralph Borkowski Ombudsman Director
Mr. Ron Mielke Bosslift Director
Ms. Stef Garland / Mr.Troy Falardeau Public Affairs Co-Directors
Vacant   Employer Outreach Director
Vacant Military Outreach Director
Ms. Lona Christensen Training Director
Ms. Mary De Leeuw / Ms. Karon Gubbrud Awards Co-Directors
Ms. Kathleen Schuh Volunteer Coordinator

ESGR, a Department of Defense office, is comprised of dedicated and trained volunteers and staff. We will develop and promote employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and Service members.

ESGR informs and educates Service members and their civilian employers regarding their rights and responsibilities governed by the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA). ESGR does not have statutory authority to enforce, but serves as a neutral, free resource to employers and service members. ESGR’s trained ombudsmen provide mediation of issues relating to compliance with USERRA.

Contact Information

Maureen Dowling Volunteer Support Technician 2823 West Main Street
Rapid City SD 57702
605-737-6206
maureen.l.dowling.ctr@army.mil

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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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