Harris Corporation Honored by 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 (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Mr. Jeff Perry, Vice President of Business Development for the Department of Defense Programs Business unit of the Harris Government Communications System Division, 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 Harris Corporation:

• 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 the polices and programs required by 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 Harris Corporation will stand 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”.

“Harris is honored to receive the Above and Beyond Award from the Florida ESGR in recognition of its continued support of employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve,” said Mr. Perry. “Harris has supported the DOD with mission-critical communications solutions for more than 50 years and fully embraces the tenets of the ‘5-Star’ Statement of Support.”

In addition to the Statement of Support signing, the Harris Corporation received the prestigious ESGR “Above and Beyond Award” from the Florida ESGR Field Committee. Harris also supports ESGR Field Committees in other states where it has major operations including New York, North Carolina and Ohio.

Harris Government Communications Systems Division conducts advanced research studies, develops prototypes, and produces and supports state-of-the-art, assured communications™ solutions and information systems that solve the mission-critical challenges of its military and government customers, while serving as the technology base for the company's diverse commercial businesses. Harris Corporation is an international communications and information technology company serving government and commercial markets in more than 150 countries. With headquarters in Melbourne, Florida, the company has annual sales of over $3 billion and more than 13,000 employees – including 5,500 engineers and scientists. The company's four operating divisions serve markets for government communications, RF communications, broadcast communications, and microwave communications. For more information, visit www.harris.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.