U.S. Attorney General signs "5-Star" Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Honorable Thomas F. Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, announced that U.S. Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve in Washington, D.C on November 1st.

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

· 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 Justice 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 Secretary Hall. “This is a significant event not only for the Department of Justice, but for all federal civil service employees. The federal government is one of the largest employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists in the country.”

"Every day, brave men and women across America set aside their personal lives and civilian careers to protect our Nation, often by putting
themselves into harm's way," said Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales.
"When they return from military service, they should do so confident that their own employment rights have been protected while they were away. No person should be denied an employment opportunity because of his or her decision to wear the uniform, and the Department of Justice will continue to vigorously enforce USERRA and safeguard the rights of America's servicemen and women."

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

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.