DuPont to sign 5-Star Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

(Dover, DE) – Mr. Gene Hebert, State Chair of the Delaware Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Willie C. Martin, U.S. Region President for DuPont, will sign a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Sunday, September 25, 2005. The signing ceremony will occur at the Dover International Speedway in Dover, Delaware and coincide with NASCAR’s “Welcome Home Soldiers” activities, sponsored by DuPont.

The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that DuPont:

· Signed a Statement of Support publicly demonstrating its support for its employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.
· Reviewed its Human Resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
· Promotes training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage its employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
· Adopted polices and programs that are “Above and Beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law.
· Is an advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all Delaware employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA),” said Hebert. “Many Delaware employers provide ‘Above and Beyond’ support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees are mobilized.”

When asked about the “5-Star” criteria, Hebert said “By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, DuPont will stand proudly with its 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”.

“DuPont is honored to be recognized for supporting those serving our country,” said Willie Martin. “We have served the U.S. Government for over two centuries, and are proud to be supplying many products for the safety and protection of our troops.”

“Mr. Martin joins a cadre of his fellow Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Hebert. “By signing the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support, Mr. Martin is sending a clear message to the employees of DuPont that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

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 new Minutemen. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Soren Thomassen, Program Support Specialist of the Delaware ESGR Committee, at 302-326-7582.