Florida Power & Light Honored by the Department of Defense at McDonald's National Salute to America's Heroes

(Ft. Lauderdale, FL) – Mr. David Bludworth, State Chair of the Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Field Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Bob Escoto, Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Florida Power & Light Company (FPL), signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. The signing ceremony was conducted in conjunction with the McDonald’s National Salute to America’s Heroes.

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

• 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 Florida 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 Bludworth.

When asked about the “5-Star” criteria, Bludworth said “By meeting the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support criteria, The Management of FPL stands proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who like the Minutemen 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”.

“At FPL, we’re proud to be recognized for our commitment to supporting employees who give so selflessly of themselves to defend our nation,” said Robert Escoto, senior vice president of FPL. “The real praise belongs to these men and women, who place their personal and professional lives on hold to fulfill their patriotic duties. We will continue to support and appreciate all they do to ensure our safety and freedom.”

In addition to the Statement of Support signing, FPL received the prestigious ESGR from the Florida ESGR Field Committee.

According to Bludworth, “The ESGR Above and Beyond Award was created to publicly recognize American Employers who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the Minutemen before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”

Florida Power & Light Company is the principal subsidiary of FPL Group, Inc. (NYSE: FPL), nationally known as a high quality, efficient and customer-driven organization focused on energy-related products and services. With annual revenues of more than $11 billion and a growing presence in 26 states, FPL Group is widely recognized as one of the country's premier power companies. Florida Power & Light Company serves 4.4 million customer accounts in Florida. FPL Energy, LLC, FPL Group's competitive energy subsidiary, is a leader in producing electricity from clean and renewable fuels. Additional information is available on the Internet at www.FPL.com, www.FPLGroup.com and www.FPLEnergy.com.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. 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 Tom Bullock at the ESGR National Committee Offices at 800-336-4590.