Other LanguagesJoint release with the Washington ESGR Committee
CAMP MURRAY, WASHINGTON – The Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense operational committee, announced that Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve today at Camp Murray.
The Statement of Support confirms the Office of the Attorney General joins other employers in pledging:
- We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
- Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
- We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
- We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all Washington employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees,” said Bob DeWald, Washington ESGR State Chair.
When asked about the criteria, Bob DeWald said “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, the Attorney General of Washington pledges to stand proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”.
"We have a moral and legal obligation to act as a model employer when it comes to supporting our employees who are members of the Guard and Reserve," said Attorney General Bob Ferguson, whose father and both grandfathers served in the military. "As Attorney General, I am proud to reaffirm my agency's commitment to supporting our military personnel and our veterans."
“Attorney General Bob Ferguson joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies, and many thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Mr. DeWald. “By signing the Statement of Support, Attorney General Ferguson is sending a clear message to the employees of the Attorney General’s Office that they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs while they are serving their country.”
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense operational committee, seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for National Guard and Reserve service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within DoD.
For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
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Contacts: Janelle Guthrie, Director of Communications, (360) 586-0725