Paul Monroe and GI Wilson Appointed as New California Volunteer ESFR Field Committee Chairs

(Arlington, Virginia) – Mr. David Janes, of Newport Beach, California, National Chairman for the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, (ESGR) has appointed two new volunteer California Committee Chairs.

Mr. Paul Monroe of Berkley, California will serve as the ESGR Northern California Chair. Mr. Monroe is a retired Major General who served the State of California as the Adjutant General from March 1999 until March 2004. “I have always been a fan of ESGR, and I am truly humbled by this opportunity. During my tenure as the Adjutant General of the California National Guard, I could always rely on the ESGR to support my soldiers and airmen, and to improve my relationship with their employers,” said Monroe.

“G.I." Wilson, the new Chairman for the Southern California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (SOCAL ESGR) Committee, is a retired Colonel of Marines with 35 years of military service and 7 years combined civilian law enforcement and emergency services experience. He is widely published in military journals and has appeared on national radio and TV. He has consulted for ABC-7 Los Angles, Knowledge and Intelligence Program Professionals (KIPP), M2 Technologies, Emergency Response Research Institute (ERRI), and is on the Board of Directors for Bossov Ballet Theatre.

As a volunteer, Mr. Janes, a retired Navy Rear Admiral and prominent Newport Beach, California business executive, leads a national network of 56 committees, comprised of 3,500 volunteers in every state, territory and Europe. He told Mr. Monroe and Mr. Wilson that they have the ability, and responsibility to reshape their committees to meet the challenges of increased National Guard and Reserve mobilizations in California, and the renewed focus on ESGR Employer Outreach Programs.

“ESGR is similar to many volunteer organizations, we have an aging member base, but there are many good Americans in California who want to make an impact. The people you need will come to you as you set the standard, and you touch all centers of influence and get them on your team”, said Janes.

Mr. Janes cited many examples of what employers are doing for their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve. “There are many beautiful Californians out there who understand the importance of the National Guard and Reserve, who believe in America, patriotism, and taking care of their employees”, added Janes. “These are the people doing the real work of the nation, and we need to stand united with them. Combat ready troops aren’t there when we need them by accident, and they can’t do it alone. Our national defense rests on a three-legged stool, the California National Guardsman and Reservists, their family and their employers; we need to tell that story with conviction every day.”

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 needed, 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 call Tom Bullock at the National Committee (800-336-4590).