Obama proclaims Employer Support of Guard and Reserve Week

American Forces Press Service

President Barack Obama said the employers of Guard members and reservists are taking care of those who serve in the nation's military by "hiring and retaining members of the Guard and Reserve, and by creating a culture of military support in the workplace," in his proclamation  declaring Sept. 16 through Sept. 22 as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week.

"During the 236 years since our fundamental rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness were first put to paper, ordinary citizens have always stood ready to defend them as members of the United States Armed Forces," the proclamation reads. "Today's service members represent the latest in the long line of heroes who have answered their country's call, and their exceptional service in a post-9/11 world has secured their place alongside the greatest generations. As essential components of our military, the National Guard and Reserve have helped carry that legacy forward. This week, we honor their service and sacrifice, give thanks to their employers, and reaffirm our commitment to giving our troops, our military families, and our veterans the opportunities and support they have earned.

"During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, let us pay tribute to the brave men and women who keep our Nation safe and celebrate their devoted employers, whose support is vital to the strength of our military."

Tim Flatley, executive director of the Wisconsin Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, spoke of the tremendous value the 140 Wisconsin volunteers bring to the organization.

"From our historical role as an educator to service members and employers in their rights and responsibilities under the Uniform Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), on to today with our Employment Initiative, in each case the taxpayer is getting great value for the dollar invested to operate this program," Flatley said.

Ongoing USERRA education activities and a well-trained ombudsman corps ensure that only sound cases are referred to the U.S. Labor Department for investigation, he continued. As part of its education efforts, ESGR organizes visits that allow employers to see and understand both the training requirements and the valuable skills provided with military service.

Obama highlighted First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden's "Joining Forces" initiative as well as the VOW to Hire Heroes Act as among efforts to put unemployed and underemployed veterans back in the workforce. In Wisconsin, Gov. Scott Walker launched a similar initiative with the "Year of the Veteran ."

More than 4,800 ESGR volunteers nationwide leverage business and civic networks to connect employers seeking good workers with service members seeking good jobs, Flatley noted.

"Making the connection is the most significant role we can play," he said.