HERSHEY, Pa. – Pennsylvania Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve April 26.  

In signing the Statement of Support, Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity, reaffirmed the department’s support for the men and women who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. Garrity was a featured speaker at the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors annual educational conference.  She stopped by the Treasury Department booth, which was next to PA-ESGR’s table, and consented to sign a Statement of Support.

The Statement of Support confirms that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department 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 Pennsylvania ESGR South Central Area Chair James Astor.  “I am asking all South-Central Area 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.”

The Pennsylvania Treasury Department joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces.  Astor added: “By signing the Statement of Support, The Pennsylvania Treasury Department 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 is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.

For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

PHOTO: (L-R) Pennsylvania ESGR South Central Area Chair James Astor and Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity