ISLAMORADA, Fla. – Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve,
a Department of Defense program, announced Mayor Deb Gillis signed a Statement
of Support for the Guard and Reserve March 17 at the Council Meeting held at
the Islamorada Community Center.
The Statement of Support confirms Islamorada, Village of Islands joins other employers in pledging:
- We fully recognize, honor and comply with the
Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
- We will provide our managers and supervisors with
the tools they need to effectively manage 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” said James Dicks,
ESGR state chair. “I am asking all Florida employers to take a look at their
current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard
and Reserve employees. Many Florida employers provide support above and beyond
what is required by law by offering pay differential to offset the loss of
wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage
provided by the military, when their employees are mobilized.”
When asked about the criteria, James Dicks said “By meeting the Statement
of Support criteria, Islamorada 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.”
“On behalf of Islamorada, Village of Islands, I
want to thank our Service men and women for the sacrifices they make each and
every day in defense of our country,” said Mayor Deb Gillis. “We pledge to
recognize and honor our Guard and Reserve employees, and support them as they
serve.”
“Islamorada joins a cadre of Fortune 500
companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in
demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added James Dicks. “By signing the Statement of Support, Mayor
Deb Gillis is sending a clear message to the employees of Islamorada
that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their
civilian jobs.”
ESGR 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 the Department
of Defense.
For more
information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call
1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
Photo: Pictured L-R: ESGR Area 15 vice
Chair John Dent, Councilman Dennis Ward, Mayor Deb Gillis, Councilman Mike Forster,
Councilman Chris Sante, ESGR Area 15 Chair Michael Mills