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President proclaims Sept 18-24 as ESGR Week

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  • AFRC
ARLINGTON, Va. --  Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, announced President Barack Obama has signed a proclamation declaring Sept. 18-24 as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week.

In the 10 years of continuous military operations since Sept. 11, 2001, employers across the United States have remained committed to supporting their employees who serve in the military. According to an ESGR press release, the National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week is a time to honor those who serve in the Guard and Reserve while giving thanks to their employers, whose support is a critical component of our national defense.

"The United States is at its strongest when we live up to our sacred duty to honor and care for our service members when they come home," President Obama said. "The support of employers across our country reflects the best of the American spirit - the understanding that we are bound together to serve and protect our nation. I call upon all Americans to join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to the members of the National Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers."

Almost half of the U.S. military serves in the Guard and Reserve. The dedication of employers, who implement personnel policies promoting Guard and Reserve participation, while bearing financial and organizational burdens, allows mission-ready troops to serve when activated, stated the press release. Service members leave home with the comfort of knowing their families will have much needed support before and after mobilization.

In concert with National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, DOD will recognize 15 of the nation's most supportive employers at the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony Sept. 22. The Freedom Award is DOD's highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. The 15 employers being recognized came from a field of 4,049 nominations submitted by guardsmen and reservists.

More information about ESGR is available on the agency's website - http://www.esgr.net/site