Florida celebrates 40 years of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

ORLANDO, Fla. (June 26, 2012) – The Florida Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) celebrated 40 years of educating National Guardsmen, Reservists and their employers about their rights and responibilities during their annual meeting and awards banquet, June 22, 2012, in Orlando, Fla.

Florida employers sign statements of support pledging to support their National Guard and Reserve employees during the Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve annual meeting, June 22, 2012, in Orlando.

“For Guard and Reserve members and their families, the greatest enablers are our employers and agencies like ESGR that help pull our efforts together and stregthen alliances,” said Maj. Gen. Emmett R. Titshaw, The Adjutant General of Florida.

ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.

Titshaw said that employers today recognize the challenges faced by the Guard and Reserve force, appreciate what servicemembers and their families do to preserve our freedom and are willing to go “above and beyond” to ensure that service members have good jobs in a supportive environment.

Judge Gregory P. Holder, Florida Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve Chairman, presents Maj. Gen. Emmett R. Titshaw with the "Seven Seals" award for his support of ESGR efforts.

“Each of you has sacrificed something for the greater good of our nation and our communities, whether it was your personal safety, dedication of time or potential business risk to preserve or create a job for a deployed Guardsman or Reservist,” said Titshaw.

Several Florida employers were recognized with awards after being nominated by their employees.

“You are truly our partners in the defense of this country,” said James Rebholtz, National Chairman for the National Committee for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

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