The Air National Guard (ANG) recently announced its 2001 theme "Year of the Employers" to recognize those employers who support Guard members across the nation. It also includes opportunities for employers and communities to get "reconnected" to their Guard units nationwide.
"On behalf of the National Guard -- 457,000 strong -- I declare the year 2001 to be the Year of the Employer," said Lt. Gen. Russell C. Davis, chief, National Guard Bureau, to more than 1,500 Air Guard officers, noncommissioned officers and state adjutants general gathered at the ANG Senior Leadership Conference in San Antonio.
Joining Davis as he initiated the program was Charles L. Cragin, principal deputy assistant secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs; Brian Sharratt, executive director, National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; Maj. Gen. Paul Weaver, ANG director and Command Chief Master Sgt. Gary Broadbent, ANG senior enlisted advisor.
Program goals include increasing recognition for employers of Guard members, and to include assistance and active partnership with the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to strengthen processes and relationships that reach out to employers. Davis also made the Army National Guard a full partner in the celebration which supports Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen's initiative to reconnect America with its military.
Activities set for the coming year include a strong public information effort, meeting with employers, arranging employer visits to Guard missions, expanding employer awards and educating Guard members and employers about their responsibilities to each other, said Davis.
The Year of the Employer is one of many themes that the ANG has established since 1998 to emphasize significant aspects of National Guard service. This follows the 2000 theme of recognizing military families. The Year of Diversity will follow in 2002.
For more information about the National Guard, please call Kathleen Gereski (703) 607-2549 or visit the National Guard website at http://www.ngb.dtic.mil/.
