U. S. General Services Administration Signs "5-Star" Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve
The U. S. General Services Administration joins a Cadre of Federal Agencies, Fortune 500 Corporations, and thousands of America's employers who have become inextricably linked to the nation's defense by sharing their most precious asset, their employees.
Arlington, VA (PRWEB) July 23, 2005
Mr. Bob Hollingsworth, Executive Director of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Stephen A. Perry, Administrator of the U. S. General Services Administration (GSA) signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve at 10:00AM on Wednesday, July 20, 2005 at the GSA Central Office Administration Building, 1800 F Street, N. W., in Washington, DC.
The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that GSA:
· Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
· As a federal employer, promises to safeguard job positions, support continuation of medical and dental benefits for family members, grant leaves of absence for military service without penalty of lost vacation time to those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve, to the extent allowed under applicable laws.
· Ensures men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserve will not be denied employment with GSA nor will there be limited or reduced job and career opportunities due to service in the Guard or Reserve.
· Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve.
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all of America’s employers to review and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA), said Hollingsworth. “This is a significant event not only for the GSA, but for all Federal Civil Service Employees”, added Hollingsworth. “The Federal Government is one of the largest employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists in the country.”
“By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, the management of GSA stands proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees, who like the Minute Men before them, continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”, added Hollingsworth.
“We are indebted to those GSA associates serving in the National Guard and Reserve. When they are called to active military service, they need to know that while they are protecting our country, their families’ health benefits are continued and their jobs are secure,” said Administrator Perry. “As they protect our way of life, we protect their way of life.”
During the ceremony, GSA’s Southeast-Sunbelt Region was honored with the “Caring Award” by Administrator Perry for its GSA Call-up Assistance & Real Expressions of Support Program (C. A.R. E.S.). Led by volunteers, this program offers associates the opportunity to actively express their support and gratitude to GSA associates called up to active military duty in the region.
GSA is a centralized federal procurement, property management and policy agency created by Congress to improve government efficiency and help federal agencies better serve the public. It acquires, on behalf of federal agencies, office space, equipment, telecommunications, information technology, supplies and services. It also plays a key role in developing and implementing government wide policies.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.
As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of AmericaÂ’s Patriots. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www. esgr. mil, or by calling Tom Bullock at the National Committee Office at 800-336-4590, extension 537.
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