Almost half of our military forces reside in the Guard and Reserve. The men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserve are unique in that they have a civilian job in conjunction to having a civilian employer. Support of America’s employers and the employees that they share with the Guard and Reserve is paramount to the success of the all-volunteer force. Maintaining the relationship between Guard and Reserve members and their employers is vital to national security and supports the ability for these men and women to react quickly and perform critical disaster roles with the state.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DOD) agency, seeks to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the service of their employees with ESGR as the principle advocate within the DOD. ESGR accomplishes its mission by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflicts between employers and employees. ESGR operates via a network of volunteers that work with support staff in the state.
Volunteers that support ESGR come from all walks of life. These volunteers are business executives, civic leaders, and patriotic citizen. These volunteers share the desire to promote employing and supporting the members of the Guard and Reserve working in our communities.
If you would like to become a volunteer with ESGR, there are many opportunities to use your skills and build your resume through volunteerism.
Volunteers are needed in the following areas:
Employer Outreach: Develop relationships with employers to promote employment and advocacy of Guard and Reserve members.
Ombudsman: Assist with preventing, reducing, or resolving employer or service member misunderstandings regarding employment rights und the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights (USERRA).
Public Affairs: Work with military and civilian media organizations to promote public understanding of the ESGR mission.
Military Outreach: Inform and educate members of the Guard and Reserve regarding their employment rights and responsibilities under USERRA.
Make a difference and join our team. Training is provided to all our volunteers.
If you would like more information about ESGR, USERRA, or becoming a volunteer, please contact the Service Member Support Division at 1-800-292-9464, option 3.
