The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense program that helps employers, and their Guard and Reserve employees work together effectively. It’s all about supporting employees who serve in the military part-time, so they can fulfill their duties without worrying about job security or feeling stressed over work issues.
For Guard and Reserve members, balancing a civilian job with military service can be a tough challenge in between trying to support and participate in their home lives as well. ESGR helps by protecting their rights under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). This means that when employees are called up for duty—whether it’s for training, deployment, or another military need—they have job security waiting for them when they return. They don’t lose seniority, benefits, or pay due to their military service. ESGR also offers mediation services if there are any work-related issues because of their service, making it a valuable resource for both employees and employers.
So, what does it look like when a company, and specifically a supervisor or manager, actively supports its Guard and Reserve employees? Here are a few simple but powerful steps supervisors can take:
- Flexible Scheduling: Giving flexibility in scheduling can make all the difference. If a service member knows they have drill weekends or upcoming training, they’ll feel much more at ease if they can work out their schedule ahead of time.
- Adjusting Workload: During busy times, employees who serve might find it hard to balance both work and military duties. Supervisors can help by adjusting the workload, prioritizing key tasks, and even assigning less time-sensitive work until the employee returns.
- Coverage While They’re Away: Having a plan in place to cover responsibilities while the employee is on duty shows them you value their contribution and have their back. Assigning a teammate to handle projects temporarily or setting up check-ins for critical tasks can help keep everything running smoothly.
- Open Communication: Encourage regular check-ins and open communication with your Guard and Reserve employees. This helps them feel connected to the team and gives them a safe space to talk about upcoming military obligations.
Companies, like MIL, that support military employees often see greater employee loyalty, more engagement, and higher retention rates. ESGR even offers the Statement of Support, which demonstrates a company’s commitment to creating a military-friendly environment. MIL signed our statement of support in October, but we have been a long-time supporter of all our military (past and present) employees! If you are a Guard or Reserve employee, check out the ESGR program for more information and a whole lot of resources! https://www.esgr.mil/
MIL Signs a Statement of Support for the ESGR Program
On October 21, 2024, MIL President, Marisa Daley took a big step in showing support for our military Guard and Reserve employees by signing the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support. This commitment highlights just how much MIL values the sacrifices and unique strengths that our service members bring to the workplace.
What’s the Statement of Support, and Why Does It Matter?
By signing this Statement of Support, MIL is officially pledging to make sure our Guard and Reserve employees feel supported, valued, and secure in their roles—whether they’re on the job or fulfilling their military duties. It’s a promise to follow the guidelines of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), ensuring that when employees need time off for training, drill weekends, or deployments, their jobs and seniority will be right here waiting for them.
With this pledge, MIL is reinforcing our commitment to provide flexible scheduling, adjust workloads as needed, and keep lines of communication open so these employees know we have their backs. When service members leave for duty, they can trust that their teams will cover for them and that their work is valued.
Signing the ESGR Statement of Support is a win for everyone—it helps our Guard and Reserve employees feel confident and appreciated, and it strengthens MIL as an organization that values dedication, resilience, and leadership. This new commitment is just another way MIL is working to create a workplace where every team member, no matter their background or duties outside the office, feels fully supported.
With this pledge, MIL joins thousands of other employers nationwide who understand the importance of supporting those who serve. We’re proud to make this commitment and excited to see the positive impact it will have across our team!
ESGR Awards
ESGR plays a vital role in fostering strong relationships between service members and their civilian employers. Through its comprehensive awards program, ESGR recognizes employers who go above and beyond to support members of the National Guard and Reserve, as well as their families.
On November 2nd, 2024, three Division 10 MIL employees received Patriot Awards for their dedication to fostering a military friendly work environment. Jamie Sapp, Senior Manager, was recognized for providing flexible scheduling, workload coverage and effective communication with members of his team who maintain additional military commitments. Brian Fehon, Director, and Shannon Herring, Assistant Vice President, received this award for ensuring a military inclusive culture within their organization. These supervisors embody MIL’s commitment to its military employees.
MIL received the 2022 Maryland Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Freedom Award in the large business category. The prestigious award given by ESGR, a staff group with Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense, is the highest recognition presented by the Department of Defense (DoD) to employers who provide the most outstanding support for National Guard and Reserve members.
Also, MIL received the Maryland Committee for ESGR Above and Beyond Award in 2018. This award recognizes employers who have gone above and beyond the legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to provide exceptional benefits to its National Guard and Reserve employees.
Did you know you can nominate MIL for an award through the ESGR program? It’s a simple way to recognize MIL’s commitment to supporting our Guard and Reserve employees, and anyone can do it!
The ESGR offers a variety of awards to honor employers who go above and beyond for their military employees. If you’ve noticed MIL’s dedication to flexible scheduling, job security, and overall support for our service members, this is a great opportunity to show appreciation! The process is straightforward—just visit the ESGR website, choose an award, and submit a quick nomination.
Whether it’s for a coworker who feels valued or a team leader who goes out of their way to help service members balance work and military duties, this nomination can highlight how MIL’s commitment makes a difference. Plus, it shines a light on our efforts as a military-friendly workplace and supports our ongoing mission to value every team member.
Let’s spread the word about MIL’s dedication to Guard and Reserve employees. Nominate a peer, supervisor, or MIL as a company, today!
Check back next week for an exciting recap from one of our own MIL Reserve members, Jacquelyn Fischer! She and her leadership team participated in her unit’s “Boss Flight” program and shared an amazing experience through the lens of “a day in the life of a military member!”
MIL Takes Military Support to New Heights!
On November 2nd, 2024, Division 10 MIL employees traveled to New York to participate in Boss Lift at the 106th Rescue Wing (RQW). Boss Lift is an initiative organized by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and the 106th RQW to provide civilian employers with an opportunity to see firsthand the missions and operations of military units. Jacquelyn Fischer, a Division 10 MIL employee that serves with the 106th RQW for the Air National Guard, invited her bosses to experience what work looks like for her outside of MIL.
Jamie Sapp, Brian Fehon, and Shannon Herring describe the event as a “once in a lifetime opportunity.” They were given a detailed briefing on the unit’s capabilities, the mission, and how Jacquelyn serves that mission. The 106th RQW, based in Westhampton Beach, New York, is a key component of the Air National Guard, specializing in search and rescue operations. Their capabilities include responding to international natural disasters, conducting tri-state area search and rescue missions, and supporting deployments in various global hotspots. MIL employees learned about the HC-130J Combat King II aircraft and the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter, wing assets that are essential for conducting life-saving missions both domestically and internationally. The special warfare squadron, composed of pararescuemen and combat rescue officers who are trained in rescue and recovery operations, spoke about the importance of this mission and provided an opportunity to fly aboard the aircraft. Jamie, Brian, and Shannon jumped at the chance, and boarded both the HC-130J Combat King II and the HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopter for flights around Long Island, New York. MIL employees left with an understanding of how the 106th RQW plays a vital role in responding to emergencies, providing critical support for military and civilian operations around the world.
Jacquelyn serves as the Installation Spectrum Manager for the wing, ensuring key members and the aircraft have the radio communications necessary for these operations. As the Installation Spectrum Manager, Jacquelyn is responsible for procuring, maintaining, and deconflicting over 60 mission dependent frequencies. To do this, Jacquelyn must maintain a keen understanding of spectrum dependent equipment and electromagnetic warfare, and implement strategies to detect, deter and report electromagnetic interference (EMI). Jacquelyn had the opportunity to give Jamie, Brian and Shannon a tour of her workshop, and explain the importance of spectrum availability in a warfighting environment. After the tour, Jacquelyn went back to work, but not before showing her bosses some manpack radios, such as the AN/PRC (Army/Navy, Portable Radio Communication)-117Gs.
Service Members of the 106th RQW sponsored 58 individuals from 28 different companies to experience Boss Flight. Lis D’Agostino, an organizer for the event, said “This was indeed our largest Boss Lift to date, and it was amazing. The civilian employers were thanking us for hosting them, when it is because of their outstanding support of our service members and families we can.” MIL was honored to be one of two companies receiving awards at the event for exceptional support. Jamie Sapp, Brian Fehon, and Shannon Herring all received The Patriot Award in recognition of their commitment to supporting Jacquelyn Fischer’s service with the 106th Rescue Wing. The event reaffirmed MIL’s dedication to support. Shannon Herring noted to reporters at the event “We now have a greater appreciation for the 106th Rescue Wing’s professionalism and mission, and we’re more committed than ever to supporting Jacquelyn.”