HOPKINS, Minn. – Minnesota
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program,
announced David MacLennan, Cargill, Inc. CEO, signed a Statement of Support for
the Guard and Reserve July 26 in front of a large crowd of its employees.
The Statement of Support confirms Cargill 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 Nick
Ostapenko, ESGR state chair “I am asking all Minnesota employers to take a look
at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of
Guard and Reserve employees.” Many Minnesota 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, Ostapenko said “By meeting
the Statement of Support criteria, Cargill, 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.”
MacLennan stated, “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to the
men and women who have served and continue to serve our country and protect our
democracy. We are proud to show our appreciation and ongoing support.”
“Cargill 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 Ostapenko.
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 DoD.
Also present for the Statement of Support signing were Maj.
Gen. Neal Loidolt, Army National Guard 34th Infantry Division Commander, Molly
Stalker, Chair of Cargill's Veteran Military Support Network and Jack J. Grams,
Minnesota ESGR Awards Coordinator.
Photographed from left to right: Minnesota ESGR Chair Nick
Ostapenko, Cargill, Inc. CEO David MacLennan, Cargill, Inc. Chair of Veteran's
Military Support Network Molly Stalker and Army National Guard 34th Infantry
Division Commander Maj. Gen. Neal Loidolt
For more information about ESGR outreach programs or
volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.