Employers honored for Guard member support

Contact: Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office

September 16, 2014

Approximately 70 employers and employees from the Madison area attended an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) event here Sept. 5, recognizing employers who went above and beyond in their support of Guard and Reserve service members.

"Executing the mission of the 115th Fighter Wing would not be possible without the strong support of our Airmen's employers," said Col. Jeffrey Wiegand, 115th Fighter Wing commander. "With deployments lasting months at a time, there is tremendous value in the Airmen not having to worry about losing their civilian job while they are deployed."

In 1972 ESGR was established to promote cooperation and understanding between Guard members and their civilian employers, and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.

"Our job is to make sure there is understanding, cooperation, communication and mutual support between Guard and Reserve members and their employer," said Mike Williams, ESGR state chair.

ESGR fosters 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.

Military skills - including risk management, Airman leadership and the core values - are directly transferable to civilian jobs, said Brig. Gen. Gary Ebben, Wisconsin assistant adjutant general for Air.

"We borrow your employees, but we give back Airmen to make your business stronger," Ebben said.

The event included breakfast, speakers and a tour of base, giving employers an opportunity to see what their employees do in the National Guard.

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