Department of Education Secretary 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 Education Secretary Margaret Spellings signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve in Washington, D.C.

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

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

"I'm proud to sign this declaration to show the U.S. Department of Education's support for our Guard and Reserve employees. America's men and women in uniform deserve the highest respect, and I appreciate this opportunity to thank them for their courage and sacrifice." said Secretary Margaret Spellings.

When asked about the “5-Star” criteria, Secretary Hall said “By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, the management of the Department of Education stands 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”.

Secretary Spelling joins a cadre of her fellow Cabinet Level Secretaries, State Governors, Fortune 500 company executives, and thousands of America’s small employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Hall. “By signing the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support, Secretary Spelling is sending a clear message to the employees of the Department of Education that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

The U.S. Department of education was created in 1980 by combining offices from several federal agencies. Its original directive remains its mission today — to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation. The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 governs federal education policy with its focus on closing the achievement gap between the races. The department's 4,500 employees and $71.5 billion budget are dedicated to: establishing policies on federal financial aid for education, and distributing as well as monitoring those funds; collecting data on America's schools and disseminating research; focusing national attention on key educational issues; and prohibiting discrimination and ensuring equal access to education.

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. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Tom Bullock at the ESGR National Committee Office (800) 336-4590.