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ESGR in the News

09

DOYLESTOWN, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an office of the Department of Defense, announced that Bucks County Department of Veterans Affairs recently received a Seven Seals Award in recognition of extraordinary support of employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

Pennsylvania ESGR is particularly proud to present employers with a Seven Seals Award for their strong support of their employees serving in our nation’s Reserve forces.

According to Paul Vezzetti ESGR Southeast Volunteer, “The Seven Seals Award is the broadest and most inclusive award given by ESGR and is presented at the discretion of the State Chair or by ESGR senior leadership. The award is presented in recognition of significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative, or support that promotes and supports the ESGR mission.”

State Chair Marty Kuhar authorized the award based on comments by Chief Petty Officer Allen, Matthew Allen, who is a member of the U.S. Navy Reserve’s Naval Security Forces, stationed in Annapolis, Maryland.

Chief Petty Officer Allen stated: “During my Chief Petty officer initiation and service commitment to the U.S. Navy Reserve I always knew that I had the support of my supervisor Rachel Neff.” In addition, the County has supported Chief Petty Officer Allen during a 2019 mobilization with Naval Special Warfare Development Group and numerous Annual Training missions over his career with the Bucks County Government.

Vezzetti presented the Seven Seals Award to Bucks County Department of Veterans Affairs County Commissioners: Chair Diane Ellis-Marseglia, Vice-Chair Robert Harvie, Secretary Gene DiGirolamo, Chief Operating Officer Margie McKevitt, and Director of Human Services Rachael Neff.

In presenting the award, Vezzetti commented: “It’s critical and an honor to recognize and pay tribute to those employers that hire and support our Guard and Reserve forces. It would be difficult for those in the uniformed services to perform their mission without employer support.” Vezzetti added: “Today’s members of the Guard and Reserves are highly trained and skilled; they bring integrity, a global perspective and, proven leadership to the civilian workforce.

In addition to presenting a Seven Seals Award, Vezzetti obtained a Statement of Support from Ellis-Marseglia. The Statement of Support confirms that the Chubb joins other employers in pledging:
• We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Vezzetti. “I am asking all Southeast Pennsylvania employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees.” Many Pennsylvania employers provide support above and beyond their legal requirements by law by offering pay-differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees mobilize.”

Bucks County Department of Veterans Affairs joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces. Vezzetti added: “By signing the Statement of Support, Bucks County Department of Veterans Affairs is sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

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, a 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/PA

Photo (L to R):
Front Row: Chief Petty Officer Allen, Director of Human Services Neff, and Vezzetti.

Back Row: Chief Operating Officer McKevitt, Vice-Chair Commissioner Harvie, Chair Commissioner Ellis-Marseglia, and Commissioner DiGirolamo

Photos courtesy of Ms. Lauren Diehl, Communications Associate - County of Bucks

Posted in: Pennsylvania
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