Department of Defense Seal

STATEMENT OF SUPPORT FOR THE GUARD AND RESERVE

We recognize the National Guard and Reserve as essential to the strength of our nation and the well-being of our communities.

In the highest American tradition, the patriotic men and women of the Guard and Reserve serve voluntarily in an honorable and vital profession. They train to respond to their community and their country in time of need. They deserve the support of every segment of our society.

If these volunteer forces are to continue to serve our nation, increased public understanding is required of the essential role of the Guard and Reserve in preserving our national security. Their members must have the cooperation of all American employers in encouraging employee participation in Guard and Reserve.

Therefore, we join other employers in pledging that:

  1. Employment will not be denied because of service in the Guard or Reserve;
  2. Employee job and career opportunities will not be limited or reduced because of service in the Guard or Reserve;
  3. Employees will be granted leaves of absence for military service in the Guard or Reserve, consistent with existing laws, without sacrifice of vacation; and
  4. This agreement and its resultant policies will be made known throughout our organization.

Signature of Secretary of Defense. Donald Rumsfeld

Signature of Secretary of State. Condoleezza Rice

Signature of Secretary of Treasury. Henry M. Paulson, Jr.

Signature of Attorney General Alberto R. Gonzales

Signature of Secretary of Interior. Dirk Kempthorne

Signature of Secretary of Agriculture. Mike Johanns

Signature of Secretary of Commerce. Carlos Gutierrez

Signature of Secretary of Labor. Elaine Chao

Signature of Secretary of Health and Human Services. Michael O. Leavitt

Signature of Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Alphonso Jackson

Signature of Secretary of Transportation. Maria Cino

Signature of Secretary of Energy. Samuel W. Bodman

Signature of Secretary of Education. Margaret Spellings

Signature of Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Jim Nicholson

Signature of Secretary of Homeland Security. Michael Chertoff

Signature of Environmental Protection Agency. Stephen Johnson

ESSR
EMPLOYER SUPPORT OF THE GUARD AND RESERVE Seal