WASHINGTON – Secretary of Veterans Affairs Anthony J. Principi led a ceremony today to express the department’s gratitude and appreciation to the 115 National Guardsmen and reservists employed at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) central office here.
"We are honored to count men and women such as you among our VA employees," Principi said. "You continue the proud tradition of citizen-soldiers who stand ready to answer our nation’s call to defend America against those who seek to harm us."
He presented a commemorative pin to the employees and assured them that if they are called to active military duty, their jobs would still be there when they return.
"I encourage all VA medical centers, regional offices and cemeteries to honor VA employees who might be called to defend our country in the future," Principi said.
Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs Thomas F. Hall also took part in the program.
Additional information about job rights of federal employees called to active military duty can be found on the Web at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/EI54.htm. Information about the reemployment rights of Guardsmen and reservists is available from the Department of Labor at http://www.dol.gov/vets/.
