U. S. Department of Energy Signs "5-Star" Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

ARLINGTON, Va. – Mr. Craig W. Duehring, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, announced that U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Samuel W. Bodman signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve at the agency’s headquarters in Washington, D.C.

The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that the Department of Energy:

· 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 the Department of Energy 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 Reemployment Rights Act Law (USERRA),” said Duehring. “This is a significant event not only for the Department of Energy, but for all federal civil service employees. The federal government is one of the largest employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists in the country.”

“On behalf of the entire Department of Energy, I want to thank, and reaffirm our unwavering support for the brave men and women who serve this country in the National Guard and Reserves. I am especially proud of our DOE family who bravely serve in uniform,” said Secretary Bodman.

“By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, the management of the Department of Energy 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 Duehring.

The Department of Energy (DOE) is a $23-billion agency with over 100,000 employees, many of whom are Guard and Reserve members. DOE has one of the richest and most diverse histories in the Federal Government. Although only in existence for a quarter century, the Department traces its lineage to the Manhattan Project. DOE's overarching mission is to advance the national, economic and energy security of the United States; to promote scientific and technological innovation in support of that mission; and to ensure the environmental cleanup of the national nuclear weapons complex. DOE is also the single largest supporter of basic research in the physical sciences in the United States, providing more than 40 percent of total funding for this vital area of national importance.

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 the National Committee Office at (800) 336-4590.