Gov. McDonnell signs Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve

Virginia Governor Bob McDonnell signs a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve Jan. 18 in Richmond flanked by Maj. Gen. Daniel E. Long, Jr., the Adjutant General of Virginia, and Roger Trout of the Virginia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. The Statement of Support confirms that Governor McDonnell joins other employers "in pledging to fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act, ensure that managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve and that Virginia will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war". Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. (Photo by Cotton Puryear, Virginia Department of Military Affairs)

Done