HORSHAM, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that Volunteer Support Technician (VST) Theresa Arentzen has accepted the position of ESGR Southeast Region Coordinator. In a joint announcement, State Chair Marty Kuhar and Arentzen notified state committee members that she has accepted the position of ESGR Southeast Region Coordinator.

Arentzen has served in her position as the state VST since 2008 when she was nominated for the position by State Chair Emeritus Wes Craig. At the time Craig was the incoming State Chair and president of the selection board; he reflected on the candidate selection process, citing that Arentzen’s noteworthy and exceptional career in the Pennsylvania Army National Guard made her an excellent candidate for the VST position. Craig said: “Her sterling record in several different fields and MOS's showed me that she was dedicated to mission accomplishment, self-motivated, very hard working, and trustworthy. This made her a prime candidate for the job of VST when it became open in 2008… Hiring Theresa was one of the best hiring decisions I have ever made in both my civilian and military careers.”

Reflecting on Arentzen’s tenure as the state’s VST, Kuhar said: “Arentzen is the model of an ESGR VST that we in Pennsylvania have been fortunate to have for over 16 years. A complete professional with total dedication, strong work ethic, and the ability to work with all volunteers/National HQs/ employers/the military/civilian agencies with an understanding and professional approach, a true problem solver. Her guidance and advise in matters dealing with ESGR protocols and procedures made my transition to the State Chair quite easy; and, after three years it remains so. Her promotion to a National Headquarters position is well deserved.”

Arentzen announced her acceptance of her new position in an email to all state volunteers in which she wrote: “I have truly been blessed to have had the opportunity to work with such an amazing Committee. In my over 16 years with PA–ESGR, you guys managed to wiggle you way into my heart, and I call you all family. We have come through a lot together: the loss of several truly amazing volunteers, working through a pandemic, working online to assist volunteers with meetings, advising volunteers of their annual training requirements, and so much more. During this time, I have experienced five PA Freedom Award Winning seasons, two Roche award winners, three Volunteer of the year winners, and 19 successful Bosslifts. It’s been a pleasure working with three State Chairs and four Pennsylvania Adjutant Generals, and so many amazing volunteers.” Arentzen concluded: “I’m proud of the work I’ve done here with you. PA ESGR makes a difference in people’s lives.”

As this chapter of Arentzen’s PA–ESGR tenure comes to a close, the entire volunteer team says “Hail and Farewell” and thank you for outstanding support of the team, ESGR’s mission, and Pennsylvania service members and employers.

ESGR, a Department of Defense office, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

PHOTO #1: Arentzen along with Star Wars celebrities at a Military Outreach event in Horsham.

PHOTO #2: Arentzen with the Philadelphia Phillies Phantic at a Military Outreach event in Horsham.