National Council on Disability Signs Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

National Council on Disability Signs Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

Arlington, Virginia – 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 Ms. Ethel D. Briggs, Executive Director of the National Council on Disability (NCD) signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve at 11:00am on Friday, September 2, 2005 at the agency’s headquarters, 1331 F Street, Suite 850, in Washington, DC.

“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 NCD, but for all Federal Civil Service Employees. The Federal Government is one of the largest employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists in the country.”

“By signing the Statement of Support, the management of the NCD 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.

“NCD is proud to support the fine men and women of the National Guard and Reserves who help defend our country. Their commitment to duty, honor and the safe keeping of our great nation is truly commendable, “ said Briggs.

According Hollingsworth, “NCD is joining a growing cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of American employers who have pledged support for our troops. A Statement of Support serves two very vital functions: First, it demonstrates the strong level of support for our Guard and Reserve, which is important during this critical time. Secondly, it sends a clear message to the service members that while they’re serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

NCD is an independent federal agency making recommendations to the President and Congress to enhance the quality of life for all Americans with disabilities and their families. NCD is composed of 15 members appointed by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In its 1986 report Toward Independence, NCD first proposed that Congress should enact a civil rights law for people with disabilities. In 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law.

NCD's overall purpose is to promote policies, programs, practices, and procedures that guarantee equal opportunity for all individuals with disabilities, regardless of the nature or severity of the disability; and to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve economic self-sufficiency, independent living, and inclusion and integration into all aspects of society.

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 America’s Patriots. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling the National Committee Office at 800-336-4590.