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The links below will take you to the articles quickly.
The staff and volunteers of California ESGR are pleased to present these archived highlights from our activities throughout the Great State of California! These articles and photographs come from all over our state, and some articles come from the ESGR National office announcing appointments that affect our activities here in the State.
If you have questions about submitting an article for publication to the California State ESGR or National ESGR sites, whether you are a volunteer, Guard or Reserve member, or California employer, please contact: Webmaster at webmaster@caesgr.org.Please click Here for the ESGR press release templates (MS Word). Or to submit one using our e-mail form, please click HERE to submit a Press Release.
63rd RSC's David Cunningham Receives Patriot Award and Signs Statement of Support
California ESGR Committee's Freedom Award Nomination Selection Committee Meets to Select Nominees
The USAR 63rd Yellow Ribbon conducted 21-23 January 2011 in Los Angeles
California ESGR Ombudsman Training Starts With New ICMS Program
640th Aviation Support Det 1 HSC Det and Alpha Company Receive USERRA/ESGR Briefing(s)
Yellow Ribbon at Clovis Veterans Memorial District in Clovis for the Army National Guard 40th CAB
Woodlake High School Military Career Day
Army National Guard 217th FI-YR2 Yellow Ribbon Ceremony
Letters from Hollywood to our Warriors
County of Fresno General Services Security Manager John Navarrette Receives Patriotic Award
California's Veterans Leaders Present Governor Schwarzenegger with Farewell Memento
A National Guard and Military Reserves Weekend in Pt. Hueneme
Fresno BNSF Railway Supervisor Ken Duncan Presented with Department Of Defense Patriotic Award
Chairman Andrew Wiktorowicz Thanksgiving Letter to All California ESGR Volunteers and Staff. (link is to PDF letter)
Lowe's General Manager Eric Locke in Visalia Receives Department Of Defense Patriotic Award
Veterans Day Event at Los Alamitos Joint Forces Training Base
Mr. Arthur K. Snyder, owner of Don The Beachcomber, Receives ESGR's "Seven Seals" Award
Gov. Schwarzenegger Launches Service Project in Los Angeles to Honor Veterans Day
A Busy Day For Some Region 1 ESGR Volunteers
"Seven Seals" Award Surprises AT2 Mike Hussey At NAS North Island NOSC
ESGR Soaring Over Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos
Above and Beyond Award Presented to Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Jeans
San Francisco Veterans Business and Career Resources Day, Thursday November 4, 2010
Camp Pendleton Career Expo Thursday November 4, 2010
Three California ESGR volunteers at 640th AVN Yellow Ribbon Event
HONORING YOUR EMPLOYER DURING SAN FRANCISCO FLEET WEEK
ESGR Volunteer Honored to Attend "Real Heroes" Breakfast in Napa
Presidential Proclamation--National Employer Support of the Guard
and Reserve Week
Guard and Reserve Members' Spouses can now Honor their Supportive Employer with the Patriot Award
California ESGR Presents Seven Seals Award to MG Myatt (US Marines Retired)
California ESGR Volunteers Meet With Members of the Intuit Military Network Team
Chairman Andy Wiktorowicz ESGR Newsletter article Sept 2010
Battalion Fire Chief Mike Hickey NAS Lemoore Receives Patriotic Employer Award
Chief Petty Officer Jamie Andrade Receives Department of Defense Above and Beyond Award
Boss Lift Raises Employer Awareness of Today's Army Reserve
Perry Palmer of Home Depot (Fresno, CA) Receives ESGR Patriot Award
Mitch Farmer of Grundfos Corporation Receives ESGR Patriot Award
Ronald Young Appointed Chief of Staff of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
MG(R) Peter J. Gravett, Former State Chairman California ESGR Receives Two Prestigious Awards
April 2010
Under Sheriff Scott Jones of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department Receives the ESGR Patriot Award
California School For The Deaf - Riverside Honored By National Guard
Contra Costa County Sheriff Warren Rupf Receives the ESGR Patriot Award
Patriot Award Presented to First Lieutenant Keith Troy, California Army National Guard
February 2010
Shannon Suarez of Martinsburg Institute receives Seven Seals Award
Rosanna Indie of Jobing.com receives Seven Seals Award
Woodlake: Owner Corny Ortiz Jr. of Ortiz Automotive signed a Department of Defense Statement of Support. Corny is a firm believer in maintaining a strong military. Corney served in the U.S. Marine Corps and is a Marine Corps veteran.
ESGR Volunteer Art Alvarez Jr. submitted this news item.
Fresno: Manager Reza Chohan of Piccadilly Inn-Airport in Fresno, CA. signed a Department of Defense Statement of Support.
ESGR Volunteer Art Alvarez Jr. submitted this news item.
Hanford: Captain Terry Murdick of Andrews International Security of Hanford Mall signed a Department of Defense Statement of Support. Captain Terry Murdick is a retired U.S. Navy veteran.
ESGR Volunteer Art Alvarez Jr. submitted this news item.
Los Alamitos: David Cunningham is a devoted Patriot as is generous with his support to our Citizen Soldiers, AKA Warriors. He provides opportunities to sustain their military capabilities by serving, protecting, and maintaining the United States National Defense Strategy. He was nominated for the Patriot Award by SSG Neil Lunger.
Mr. David Cunningham plays a vital role as an employer who is and supports our Patriots!!!!
Ms. Lidia Gatchalian submitted this news item.
Cypress: Gathering for a day of very hard work under the guidance of veteran committee members Cheryl and Dennis DeNoi, the 2011 California ESGR Freedom Award Nomination Committee met to determine our California's Committee Nominees. Organized by Chief of Staff Patrick Kuykendall, each California Committee Region was represented by its Regional Chairman. Robert Anderson (No. California), Open (Central California), and Mike Chaplin (Southern California) brought their local business recommendations. With California State Chairman Andy Wiktorowicz heartfelt thanks for all their hard work, the Regional Chairman and Committee volunteers made their choice from large business (+500 employees), small business (-500 employees), and government agency. Their selections will now be sent to National for consideration. Assisting the Regional Chairman were volunteers Christine Schaffer, Christine Taylor, Troy Brimhall, and staff Sandra Villarreal and Tatyana Alvarez.
ESGR Communications Director Patrick Morrissey submitted this news item. Chief of Staff Patrick Kuykendall provided the photo.
Woodlake: Woodlake High School Head Counselor Carmen Pena signed a Department of Defense Statement of Support. I was invited by Head Counselor Carmen Pena to attend a Military Career Day at Woodlake High School. I had a ESGR booth and provided a presentation to the High School students. Following the presentation, students were more familiar with the mission of ESGR. All seven reserve components where there. The background picture of the Tiger is the High School Mascot for Woodlake High School Tigers.
ESGR Volunteer Art Alvarez Jr. submitted this news item.
NAS Lemoore:I had the honor to present Manager Ron Wheeler of Hewlett Packard a Department of Defense Contractor aboard Naval Air Station Lemoore with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award and he signed a Statement of Support. He was nominated by Petty Officer Eriberto Ramirez. Petty Officer Eriberto Ramirez states "Ron Wheeler is an exceptional manager. He understands the obligations of the reserve members and cares for their well being."
ESGR Volunteer Art Alvarez Jr. submitted this news item.
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Oceanside: Sgt. Dwayne Davis, Army National Guard, saluted his supervisor Jude Dresibach of Oceanside Unified School District with the Department of Defense Patriot Award during Board meeting. In attendance were Lillian Adams, Board President, and Larry Perondi, Superintendant. During the meeting the Oceanside Unified School District signed a Statement of Support.
ESGR Volunteer Lynn Giovinazzi submitted this news item.
Travis Air Force Base: I was presented with the California Army National Guard Commendation medal at our APAC 2011 at Travis Air Force Base. It was a big surprise when this award was given to me. I enjoy being a part of this great ESGR family. I would like to thank Jack Davidson for being a great military mentor and friend. Bob Anderson and Patrick Kuykendall for the leadership they have given me and for believing in me. Jerry Jurin and Tammy Cammeron for always getting me what I need and for their great support to the employers and service members in the Central Valley. To John Woolley and all my ESGR peers in the bay area for their friendship and loyalty to ESGR.
ESGR Volunteer Art Alvarez Jr. submitted this news item.
California ESGR Volunteer Roxanne Talman prepares for the 63rd Yellow Ribbon conducted 21-23 January 2011 in Los Angeles. The 63rd events included USAR soldiers from Lousiana, Texas, Arizona, Michigan, and California. Ms. Talman represented ESGR during five briefings which included information about the Employer Partnership of the Armed Forces which was represented by Angel Faggins PSM for Southern California.
Break down as follows:
California ESGR respectfully remembers the fallen and the wounded in the terrible attack on 8 January 2011 in Tucson AZ. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and Congresswoman Giffords, a former AZ ESGR volunteer and a friend of the military.
Sacramento: California Ombudsman Coordinator Sam Giovinazzi trained eight local ombudsmen and leaders on the new ICMS Ombudsman program. Also during this training period USERRA 101 and 102 were refreshed and discussed. California Ombudsmen handled over three hundred cases in 2010 plus over 2000 inquiries.
ESGR Chief of Staff Patrick Kuykendall submitted this news item.
El Cajon: California Communications Director Patrick Morrissey delivered a USERRA/ESGR/EIP briefing to soldiers of the 640th Aviation Support Det 1 HSC Det and Alpha Company. Their CO requested the briefing to assist his soldiers as they prepare for deployment.
ESGR Communications Director Patrick Morrissey submitted this news item.
JFTB Los Alamitos: California ESGR Chairman Andrew Wiktorowicz along with Region 2 Chairman Open hosted local business leaders and the Los Alamitos Chamber of Commerce in a partnership luncheon recognizing the Wheels Wings and Rotors Expo that was held on Joint Forces Training Los Alamitos California. During this luncheon the CA ESGR recognized local businesses and area leaders by presenting three Seven Seals Awards along with nine Above and Beyond Awards.
Chairman Wiktorowicz spoke to the 50 attendees about USERRA, ESGR, and the new Employment Initiative Program. Also JFTB Commander BG Keith Jones spoke about the importance of the Guard and Reserves, the partnership with ESGR and how we can all work together to find employment for our Guard and Reserve soldiers.
ESGR Chief of Staff Patrick Kuykendall submitted this news item.
Clovis: I had the opportunity and honor to do a Yellow Ribbon ESGR presentation at Clovis Veterans Memorial District in Clovis, CA. for the Army National Guard 40th CAB. There were 250 Army National Guard soldiers in uniform along with 425 family members. A total of 675 where present. This Army National Guard unit has been deployed overseas. I had the privilege to meet and assist Private First Class Hathcock and Specialist Ybarra while at the briefing.
I have completed my ESGR mission for the year. Looking forward to 2011 Happy New Year to everyone.
ESGR Volunteer Art Alvarez Jr. submitted this news item.
Woodlake: I was invited by Head Counselor Carmen Pena of Woodlake High School to attend a Military Career Day. I had a ESGR booth and also provided a power point presentation to the High School students. Following the presentation, students were more familiar with the mission of ESGR. All seven reserve components where there. After my PowerPoint presentation Head Counselor Carmen Pena, Staff Sergeant Huerta of the Army Reserve and Staff Sergeant Zamora of the Marine Corps Reserve requested to sign a Department of Defense Statement of Support.
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Camp San Luis Obispo: I had the opportunity and honor to do a Yellow Ribbon ESGR presentation at Camp San Luis Obispo for the Army National Guard 217th FI-YR2. There were 102 Army National Guard soldiers in uniform along with 35 family members. A total of 137 where present. This Army National Guard unit has been deployed overseas. I had the privilege to meet and assist Staff Sergeant Boggs and Specialist Day while at the briefing.
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
God bless you all, for all you do to keep this country, and all its citizens, free. Sincerely,
Your very grateful American friend,
Gary Sinise
Please click HERE
Fresno: I had the honor to present Human Resource Manager Lisa Camberos of the Sheriff's Department County of Fresno, with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award and she Signed a Statement of Support. She was nominated by Sergeant Steven Souphasith of the Army National Guard 40th Combat Aviation Brigade. He just got deployed with his unit for a year. Sergeant Steven Souphasith states "My Human Resource Manger Lisa Camberos supports and understands my desire to serve in the Army National Guard. I am going to be deployed for a year with my unit and she has been very helpful to me."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Fresno: I had the honor to present Human Resources Manager Bob Adams of American Ambulance in Fresno with a Department Of Defense Patriotic Award and he signed a Statement of Support. He was nominated by Sergeant Alejandro Sapiens of the Army National Guard 40th Combat Aviation Brigade. Sergeant Alejandro Sapiens just got deployed for the next year with his unit and states "American Ambulance has always been very friendly to the fact that I have been in the Army National Guard. In our July 2010 newsletter there was a section honoring military members working for the company."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Fresno: I had the honor to present Operational Manager Glenn Carmona of Sacramento Building Products in Fresno, CA with a Department Of Defense Patriotic Award. He was nominated by Corporal Jesse Vega of the Army National Guard A Co 1/184th Inf. Corporal Jesse Vega states "Glenn supports my missions in the Army National Guard. Thank you Glenn."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Fresno: I had the honor to present Wells Fargo Bank Fresno Supervisor Anthony Ramos with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award and he signed a Statement Of Support. He was nominated by Major James Hall of the California Air National Guard 144th Fighter Wing Fresno. Major James Hall was joined by two of his fellow servicemen, Major Jeff Gennuso and Major JD Lundholm both of the California Air National Guard 144 Fighter Wing Fresno. Major James Hall states "My supervisor and Wells Fargo Bank have been consistent supporters of my involvement with the California Air National Guard. With their support I have been able to fulfill my annual commitment to my unit without stress or worry concerning my civilian employment. Their support has allowed me to be involved in several deployments over the past years, sometimes with little or short notice. Having the kind of support that I receive from my boss and Wells Fargo serves as a testament and proud example for others to follow."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Fresno: I had the honor to present Fresno County Office of Education Supervisor Debbie Davis with a Patriotic Award and she signed a Statement Of Support. She was nominated by Airman First Class Marie Castaneda of the Air National Guard 144 Fighter Wing. Airman First Class Marie Castaneda states "My boss made sure that National University had everything ready to submit to the State of California Department of Credentials before I had to leave so my credential would not expire. She also made leaving the classroom a smooth transition and is very positive and supportive about my decision in joining the military."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Sacramento: Leaders of major veterans groups from across California presented outgoing Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger with a bronze and oak sculpture. The sculpture was given as a memento signifying the appreciation California's veterans have for the Governor's exemplary dedication and support of veterans and our U.S. military.
Thirteen statewide representatives from Veterans Service Organizations were on hand to present the memento to the Governor. The following groups were represented:
American Legion, Dept of CA; AMVETS, Dept of CA; CA Association of County Veterans Service Officers; CA State Commanders Veterans Council; Military Order of the Purple Heart, Dept of CA; Reserve Officers Association, Dept of CA; Veterans of Foreign Wars, Dept of CA; and the Vietnam Veterans of America, CA State Council.
The sculpture was created by Rolf Kriken of Nordhammer Art Foundry of Kelseyville, California. Kriken is an Army veteran who has provided many pieces of bronze art work for veterans memorials, most notably the California Vietnam Veterans Memorial at the State Capitol. The inscription below the sculpture reads:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger For Service Above And Beyond the call of duty on behalf of California's Veterans and our Military Forces This presentation was organized by Ken Holybee, Legislative Chair of the Vietnam Veterans of America. The sculpture for the Governor was presented on behalf of California's 2.1 million veterans by Jim Anderson, President of the California State Commanders Veterans Council.
Linked is an article appearing in the Capitol Weekly newspaper written by veterans advocate Pete Conaty praising the Governor's veterans legacy.
Fresno: General Manager Craig Jeffiers of Macerich Company in Fresno was presented with a Department Of Defense Patriotic Award. He was nominated by Sergeant Greg Calderon of the Army National Guard E Co 40th FSC. Sergeant Greg Calderon states "Mr. Jeffiers supports me being in the Army National Guard especially when I am in training or deployed."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
I had the honor to present General Manager Javier Zamora of D & H Distribution in Fresno CA with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award. He was nominated by Specialist David Fisher of the Army National Guard A Co 1/185 Inf. Specialist Javier Zamora states "My General Manager supports my mission in the Army National Guard and gives me the time off when I need it. His son also is in the military. His son is Active U.S. Marine Corps."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
I had the honor to present Supervisor Chris Paulson of A.E. Communications, a private Department of Defense Contractor at Naval Air Station Lemoore, with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award. He was nominated by Specialist Demetrius Jackson of the Army National Guard D Co /184th INF. Specialist Demetrius Jackson states "My boss Chris Paulson supports me in the Army National Guard because he is a retired U.S. Navy Captain and he knows what the military is all about."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
I had the honor to present Barry Bauer, president of Herb Bauer Sporting Goods and retired Lieutenant Colonel of the California Air National Guard 144th Fighter Wing in Fresno, CA with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award and he signed a Statement of Support. He was nominated by Specialist Vincent Mele of the Army National Guard B Co 1/184th INF. Specialist Vincent Mele states "Barry is a prior Air National Guard retired pilot and Lieutenant Colonel who is very supportive of me being in the Army National Guard. He always has someone to cover for me while I'm away but never deprives me of my hours when I'm around. Even with less than a weeks notice about my deployment he was very supportive and offered to help with anything I needed."
LTC Barry Bauer joined the Fresno Air National Guard in 1968 when the unit was flying F102's. The 144th Fighter Interceptor Group changed planes a number of times during LTC Bauer's 22 years of service. Aircraft transitions included F106's, F4's, and F16's. The units mission was Secondary California Air Defense. During his tenure as a weekender, LTC Bauer was Base Controller and Resource Squadron Commander.
LTC Bauer is currently President of Herb Bauer Sporting Goods in Fresno and believes in Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Port Hueneme, CA-This past weekend California ESGR volunteers, Dennis and Cheryl DeNoi and Chief of Staff, Patrick Kuykendall spent two days informing and supporting the brave men and women of the Guard and Reserve.
On Saturday, 4 December we were honored to support the Naval Operations Support Center (NOSC) Reserve Unit on Naval Base Ventura County during their monthly drill and family readiness weekend. We had the opportunity to communicate the ESGR message to over 300 Reservists and their families during the morning command briefing and later while manning an ESGR booth throughout the day. Their NOSC commander, Captain Ely, is a strong supporter of the ESGR and our mission and has pledged his ongoing support. In addition, we were honored to witness an impressive retirement ceremony of Senior Chief Michael Walker who was leaving military life after over 26 years of service to our country. He proudly presented his civilian employer, Mark Hall of Monster Energy Drinks, an ESGR coin in addition to the recent presentation of a "My Boss is a Patriot" award ceremony that occurred recently at his place of employment. He recognized the on going support of his civilian employers throughout his dual civilian and military careers for his successful military career.
The following day, Sunday, 5 December we had the privilege of attending the 146th Air Wings Family Readiness day at the Air National Guard Base, Oxnard. In attendance were over 700 Air National Guard Reservists and their families and some 40 community partners. By the end of the day we influenced an estimated 1,400 Reservists, their families and employers. The 146th Air Wing treated their Reservists and families to an all-out Holiday Event, which included games, food and visits with Santa inside a C-130!! As with the event yesterday we talked to the men and women of both units about their rights under USERRA, what ESGR can do for them and awards-in particular the 2011 Freedom Awards. If this wasn't enough, other ESGR volunteers worked an additional seven similar events across our great state. This level of volunteer activity speaks well of the pride and dedication of our proud ESGR volunteers and their commitment to our important mission.
ESGR Volunteers Cheryl and Dennis DeNoi submitted this news item.
Fresno: I had the honor to present Supervisor Ken Duncan of BNSF Railway in Fresno with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award. He was nominated by Sergeant Ryan Hale of the Army National Guard D Co 1/185 AR. Sergeant Ryan Hale states "My boss Ken Duncan understands how the military operates and supports me in the Army National Guard because he once served in the Army National Guard."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Fresno: I had the honor to present Manager Sheryl Hammans of the Federal Aviation Administration in Fresno, CA. with a Department Of Defense Patriotic Award and she signed a Statement of Support. She was nominated by Lieutenant Commander John Jensen of the U.S. Navy Reserve VFA-125 SAU Naval Air Station Lemoore. Lieutenant Commander John Jensen stated "Sheryl is a strong supporter of the U.S. Military."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
I had the honor to present Owner Sean Collins of Fault Line Plumbing with a Department Of Defense Award Patriot Award and he signed a Statement Of Support. He was nominated by Specialist William Rice of the Army National Guard 870th MP CO DET2. Specialist William Rice states "Sean Collins never complains about training or being called up for QRF. I could give him 24hr notice and it would not be a problem. My position may be temporarily filled, however as soon as I return I can just start where I left off. There has also been talk about continued pay while deployed down range. He loves our country and works hard to make it better for the next generation. "
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Fresno: I had the honor to present Manager David Lehman of the Federal Aviation Administration in Fresno, CA. with a Department Of Defense Patriotic Award and he signed a Department of Defense Statement Of Support. He was nominated by Lieutenant Commander John Jensen of the U.S. Navy Reserve VFA-125 SAU aboard Naval Air Station Lemoore. Lieutenant Commander John Jensen states "David Lehman is a big supporter of our Military."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Fresno: I had the honor to present Supervisor Mike Arens of the Central California S.P.C.A in Fresno with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award, and he signed a Statement Of Support. He was nominated by Specialist Jared Perkins of the U.S. Army Reserve 924th TTP. Specialist Jared Perkins states "Mike Arens is a great support and understands what I have to do for my country. Thank you Mike. "
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Fresno: I had the honor to present Supervisor Angela Alvarez U.S. District Court in Fresno, CA. (no relationship) with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award and signed a Statement of Support. She was nominated by Master Sergeant Leon Guerrero of the Air National Guard JFHQ A7V. Master Sergeant Leon Guerrero states "While I was deployed to Haiti for Opera ton Unified Response my Supervisor, who is geographically separated, supported my efforts by keeping in touch with my family members and ensured my civilian job wouldn't by overwhelming when I returned home. She supported this by rotating personnel from the Fresno Office to the Bakersfield Office to cover my absence and did it with genuine concern for the member, the military, and member's family."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Visalia: I had the honor to present Lowe's General Manager Eric Locke in Visalia, CA. with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award. He was nominated by Specialist Ruben Aldana of the Army National Guard "A Company 184 Inf." Specialist Ruben Aldana states, "Upon my return from Iraq my manager has been a great support to me and the Army National Guard. He supports me while I serve in the military."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
Los Alamitos: California ESGR Volunteer -SMR Major Steve Sterry and his furry companion Montera share a laugh with California ESGR Chief of Staff Patrick Kuykendall at a recent Veterans Day Event at Joint Forces Training Base JFTB Los Alamitos. The Veterans Day Event included over 30 Community Partners and was attended by over 300 Veterans
CONTACT: Patrick Kuykendall, Chief of Staff, California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves
Huntington Beach: On November 10, the Marine Corps celebrated its 235th birthday around the globe from simple "foxhole" observances in Afghanistan to full-scale traditional ceremonies in elaborate ballrooms both here and abroad. However, none were more appropriate nor fitting than the one held here in Southern California at a small, but historic restaurant, Don the Beachcomber, a local landmark in the beachside community of Sunset Beach. You see, the owner, Mr. Art Snyder, is a Marine combat veteran of the Korean Conflict and generous host of an intimate Marine Corps Ball that was attended by some 50 active duty and reserve Marines and sailors from the 3rd Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company (3rd ANGLICO) from Bell, California. Also present were leaders from the Navy League's Long Beach Detachment, volunteers from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and other guests.
Mr. Arthur K. Snyder, owner of Don The Beachcomber, is a long-time supporter of the United States Armed Forces and those brave citizens that proudly make up their ranks. He had a distinguished career in both private business and as a public servant having served for many years as a Councilman on the Los Angeles City Council. He continues to show his support for the military by contributing to "Toys for Tots" annual campaign, Wounded Warriors Project and hosting this event, to name a few. Because of his stedfast dedication to the our National Defense, Mr. Snyder was presented the Department of Defense/Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's prestigious Seven Seals Award by ESGR volunteers Dennis and Cheryl DeNoi. In addition, Mr. Snyder signed an ESGR Statement of Support pledging his ongoing commitment to not only the Marine Corps, but all the brave men and women who serve our nation as Guard and Reservists.
Following the awards presentation and a wonderful dinner, Mr. Snyder shared his actual birthday with the Marine Corps on that day. Mr. Snyder was the guest of honor during the time-honored tradition of cutting the Marine Corps birthday cake. He joined the oldest and youngest Marines present by enjoying the first piece of cake which was then served to all in attendance. Another highlight of the evening was when the Navy League of Long Beach officially announced that day that they were adopting the 3rd ANGLICO. Navy League President, Maria-Isabel Soto presented the plaque commemorating their commitment to on-going moral and financial support of the unit and their families.
Mr. Snyder proudly stated that his historic South Pacific themed restaurant is always available to local military units for meetings and special occasions and he welcomes you to stop by and see the prominently displayed Statement of Support alongside his other military certificates and awards.
ESGR Volunteer Cheryl DeNoi submitted this news item.
Continuing his commitment to serving California’s veterans and their families, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today joined Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Admiral Mike Mullen, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Secretary of Service and Volunteering Karen Baker and California Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet) Deputy Secretary for Operation Welcome Home Dan Nelan at the launch of a service project with more than 150 veteran and civilian volunteers at the Veterans Affairs Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System campus in honor of Veterans Day. The project is a part of the Mission Serve initiative launched by ServiceNation on Veterans Day 2009 and is one of more than 20 organized volunteer activities taking place across the country on or around Veterans Day this year.
"For more than 200 years, our freedoms have been paid for in blood and sacrifice by our men and women in uniform. America is the Land of the Free, only because it is the Home of the Brave and it’s an honor to be here to today to launch this service project and pay tribute to our country’s bravest," said Governor Schwarzenegger. "I am very proud of the work my Administration has done on behalf of our military men and women and I promise that we will continue to do everything in our power to make sure all our veterans, young and old, are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve."
Governor Schwarzenegger has committed and targeted an unprecedented amount of resources and services to California’s veterans. In June, he launched Operation Welcome Home, a first-in-the-nation statewide campaign to connect every returning veteran with the services they need to transition successfully from the battlefront to the home front. Operation Welcome Home breaks down barriers and allows veterans straightforward and easy access to benefits and services including: employment assistance; job training assistance and unemployment benefits; education opportunities; housing assistance; health care needs; U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs benefits and support for families. In addition, the Governor has:
Since the Governor launched Operation Welcome Home, CalVet, through its nine regional teams statewide, has connected with more than 34,000 veterans and made more than 54,000 referrals to services and benefits, including 17,302 for employment benefits; 13,801 for education benefits; and more than 5,000 referrals for mental health related to post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury.
As part of Operation Welcome Home, the Governor introduced the California Veteran Corps (CalVet Corps), a network to reinforce the efforts of the regional teams. The CalVet Corps is comprised of 325 veterans hired by the Employment Development Department in partnership with the CalVet, using $20 million in funding. The CalVet Corps is responsible for directly contacting each of California’s returning veterans at least three times in the first six months of separation from active duty and coordinating access to career services, mental health or substance abuse treatment and assistance with applying for state and federal veterans benefits.
The Governor today also issued a proclamation to honor Veterans Day in California. The text of the proclamation can be read here.
(L to R)Phil Stage, Martha Dominguez, John Woolley and James Franklin
Cathy Shearer stayed with the 368th MI answering questions and never made it to the Vet Center
Concord: The new Concord Vet Center at 1333 Willow Pass Road, Concord, was dedicated November 10, 2010. A Region 1 CA ESGR volunteer group attended after a full day of USERRA Yellow Ribbon Briefings for the 297th Area Support Med Co at the Westin Hotel, Millbrae and the 368th MI, held at the Marriott Hotel, SF Airport, briefing and hosting our table set-up with hand-out material and many Q&A contacts. Both Units are Pre Mob Deployments. Total Soldiers and Family Members were 250+ attendees at each event, totals over 500 for both events.
The Teams then met to honor the Grand Re-opening and Dedication of the relocated Concord Vet Center, where over 500 Vets, Service Members, Civic Dignitaries, Family and Friends enjoyed the California Air National Guard Band, the Scottish Pipes and Drums from the American Military Society, the Presentation of Colors by the Concord Marines, a car show, military displays, a Huey, Speeches and Presentations, refreshments, snacks and food served. The City of Concord presented a proclamation that November 6th would be recognized as Concord Vet Center Day.
California ESGR was well represented by: Carson Watson, Brian Elliott and in the photo: Phil Stage, Martha Dominguez, John Woolley and James Franklin, (L to R), Cathy Shearer stayed with the 368th MI answering questions and never made it to the Vet Center. Many of our Military Friendships were renewed! A really Great Day!
Naval Air Station Coronado: With complete cooperation from Commander Navy Reserve Southwest Region Captain Marcus Cromartie, Navy Operations Support Center North Island (NOSC NI) Captain Christian Hansen, Command Master Chief Tamborini, and their staff, California ESGR Region 3 Chairman Mike Chaplin was able to completely surprise AT2 Michael Hussey with the "Seven Seals" award at morning quarters. With Captain Cromartie, Captain Hansen, and Master Chief Tamborini looking on, PO Hussey was presented with the "Seven Seals" award. ESGR volunteer Patrick Morrissey gave a brief explanation of the efforts that AT2 Mike Hussey contributed to that lead to the award.
"AT2 Michael Hussey, currently assigned to NOSC NI, has been instrumental in assuring for the past two years that the ESGR USERRA briefing has been part of the monthly INDOC briefing. While AT2 Hussey was coordinating the monthly schedule, including the yearly "Family Day Conference," he always maintained contact with me to assure I knew when ESGR would have an opportunity to brief. He always demonstrated professionalism, courtesy, and all the best that is the Navy."
With a round of applause and camera flashes, PO Hussey graciously accepted the award and thanked his Commanding Officer, the Navy Region Southwest Commander, and Command Master Chief for pulling off a great deception. When asked by Captain Cromartie if he really understood the significance of the award, he responded with the importance of ESGR briefings and the knowledge given to the Navy Reservists. All of which is so vital to them and their careers both in the Navy and with their civilian employers. The handshakes continued with Captain Cromartie congratulating Petty Officer Hussey.
ESGR Volunteer Patrick Morrissey submitted this news item.
Los Alamitos JFTB: On a beautiful, sunny October day, the State Chair, several ESGR volunteers and our Chief of Staff spent the day promoting the mission of the ESGR at the 9th Annual Wings, Wheels, and Rotors Expo (WWRE) onboard the Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos, CA. In the shadow of the impressive C-17 cargo jet out of March Air Reserve Base, the ESGR booth stood out amongst all other vendors and car show participants. Dennis and Cheryl DeNoi brought their classic RV onto the tarmac and it was used as the ESGR "command center" and our booth. The DeNoi's were joined by our State Chairman, Andy Wiktorowicz and his wife, Karen, Wayne Salleng and his wife, Claire, Bea Lissow and Pat Kuykendall, our Chief of Staff. This year, the ESGR invited The Navy League to join us in our booth. The Navy League is a strong supporter of all veteran rights and of our mission. This team effort benefitted both of our missions as each attracted a different segment of the passing public. This enabled us to engage a larger and more diverse cross section of Guard/Reservists, employers and the general public about our important missions. We were also honored to receive a visit from the Commanding General of JFTB, Los Alamitos, Brigadier General Keith Jones. As BG Jones visited with our volunteers, he spoke of his personal dedication and commitment to our mission of preserving the employment rights of our citizen/warriors.
The California ESGR has been a proud participant for each of the nine years that WWRE has been in existence and this year was pleased to be an "in-kind" platinum sponsor. Amongst other items, we donated hundreds of ESGR lanyards which were worn by all of the event staff, over 300 classic car owners and the numerous other vendors. Wherever you were, you saw the ESGR logo and so did the estimated 30,000 visitors to this year's event.
ESGR Volunteer Cheryl DeNoi submitted this news item. Photo Credit: ESGR Volunteer Brian Martin
San Diego, CA - Region 3 Chairman, Mike Chaplin, on behalf of the California State Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, was pleased to host a dinner at the University Club in honor of returning warrior AO2 Ashley Perona, USNR. Ms. Perona just returned from a one-year deployment to Kuwait where she served with other Navy Reservists working with US Army units.
Joining Mike Chaplin honoring Ms. Perona's service were Mr. Felix "Sam" Giovinazzi (Capt., USNR, Ret.), ESGR San Diego office manager and California ESGR Ombudsman Director, his wife Mrs. Lynn Giovinazzi also a volunteer and ESGR Ombudsman, and ESGR volunteer Mr. Patrick Morrissey.
Ms. Perona mentioned how she'd discussed USERRA with many other IA's who were concerned about their jobs back home. She also noted the use of the web and social media like Facebook to gain information about the reservist's rights and responsibilities and communicate with other volunteers. Now that she's home, she will be furthering her educational goals and getting back into the job market using the tools provided by the Navy's programs and the California ESGR website's Transition Assistance page.
ESGR Volunteer Patrick Morrissey submitted this news item.
Visalia, CA: I had the honor to present Lowe's General Manager Eric Locke in Visalia, CA. with a Department of Defense Patriotic Award. He was nominated by Specialist Ruben Aldana of the Army National Guard "A Company 184 Inf." Specialist Ruben Aldana states, "Upon my return from Iraq. My manager has been a great support to me and the Army National Guard. He supports me while I service in the military."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
I had the opportunity to present Supervisor Alfred Lopez of Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, CA. with a Department Of Defense Patriotic Award. He was nominated by Corporal Nicholas Rasler of the Army National Guard E CO/40 FSB. Corporal Rasler committed "Lieutenant Lopez is highly supportive, and always acknowledges and appreciates those under his command. It has been an honor and privilege to serve under his leadership and command."
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
I nominated Executive Officer Lieutenant Commander Jennifer Jeans for a Department of Defense Above and Beyond Award for her strong military leadership, people skills, strong support for ESGR, and for being an excellent role model for the 900 men and women of the Navy Reserve aboard Naval Air Station Lemoore. She has been transferred to Naval Station Great Lakes, IL.
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
I had the opportunity to present a Patriotic Award and have a sign Statement Of Support to Security Manager Kevin Weaver of the Community Regional Medical Center in Fresno, CA. He was nominated by Army National Guard Specialist Jasen Jensen of Army National Guard Aviation Classification Repair Depot 1106th AVCRAD/TASMG in Fresno, CA. Specialist Jasen Jensen committed " I have only been at this job a short time, however I know that this company and my department is very supportive of all Military Branches. The top reason why I am a part of this organization is due to the fact that I am in the Army National Guard. I appreciate this company and all my supervisors for the support of me and the and the California Army National Guard.
ESGR Volunteer A. A. Jr. submitted this news item.
This one day conference will take place on Thursday, November 4, 2010 commencing at 9:00am and concluding at 12:00pm at the Philip Burton Federal Building and Courthouse. The event is designed for veterans interested in starting a business or currently seeking employment services.
Educational workshops will be offered in the areas of:
Career Resources: Resume Building – Employment Development Department – EDDPlease register online at www.vboc-ca.org. Pre-registration is required. Space is limited.
Date: November 4, 2010**In order to participate in the Computer Lab you will need to get the DUNS assigned and the most efficient and time saving way is to call Ph. 1-866-705-5711, and select the “Government Contractor” option. You will be asked a few basic questions and be given a DUNS number before you hang up. Sole proprietors must give their business name as their name, e.g. “Mary Jones”, that she files her taxes under, and a DBA (doing business as) of “I Sell Stuff”.
Pre-register for the career expo at our website civilianjobs.com to take advantage of the matching process which enhances their career expo experience. All military or former military may upload their resume and pre-register for the event to have their skills matched against all attending employers. Those employers will be sent a copy of the matched candidate's resume prior to the career expo. Upon signing in at the career expo, pre-registered candidates will be given a list of employers their skills and geographical preference matched with.
NOTE: Non-ID cardholders who are veterans MUST pre-register online for the career expo no later than NOON on October 20, 2010 in order to have their name added to the base access roster for entrance to the installation and to participate in the matching process.
Military-friendly organizations will be on hand to speak with and interview job seekers. We are expecting 40 or more companies to participate. These organizations include corporate employers, law-enforcement agencies and educational institutions, hiring locally or seeking candidates for nation-wide placement. Following is a partial list employers scheduled to participate:
12 MCD, Prior Service Recruiting, USMCCandidates call (678) 819-4132 / 4170 should they have any questions about the career expo or registering on the website.
We encourage you to visit www.civilianjobs.com to learn more about our career expos and our career expo schedule. The career expos are open to all military ID card holders and their spouses, military retirees and veterans and any base personnel interested in attending.
Visit www.MilitarytoCivilian.com for a blog devoted to helping transitioning military and prior-military find careers in the civilian world. Topics include resume tips, how to translate your military experience into terms a civilian hiring authority can understand, hot career areas for military-experienced job seekers, career coaching, and more.
Anaheim California: Volunteers Shannon Suarez, Sally Brayton, and Cherie Sorrentino attended the 640th AVN Yellow Ribbon Event that had over 997 in attendance with 548 military soldiers who are deploying in November.
CONTACT: Patrick Kuykendall, Chief of Staff, California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves
Pasadena, California: The Pacific West Human Resources Conference was held September 21-23, 2010, at the Pasadena Center in Pasadena, California. ESGR participated with a newly designed booth incorporating the Seven Seals flags and the ESGR logo as a backdrop for a free photo with a uniformed volunteer. ESGR's participation was organized by Open, California ESGR Region 2 Chairman, along with Mr. Patrick Kuykendall and Ms. Tatyana Alvarez representing the office staff members. The ESGR booth was designed and staffed by Mr. Open, Mr. Patrick Morrissey, Mr. Tom Evans (Ret. Col in uniform), SGT. Gilbert Rodela (currently serving in uniform), Mr. Brian Martin, Mr. Chris Buthe, Ms. Kristina Miller, Mr. Nick Bandejas, and Ms. Roxanne Talman. An estimated 210 Statements of Support were signed and delivered to HR Professional attendees who received their picture with a uniformed volunteer as a great memory of the conference.
All volunteers spoke with attendees as they passed by the booth and offered information on USERRA and the ESGR Awards Programs.
Open, ESGR Volunteer and Region 2 Chairman took the photograph above. The photograph below was taken by Patrick Morrissey, ESGR Volunteer and Communications Director/Webmaster .
The 2010 Fleet Week will be held 7-12 October in and around San Francisco Bay. This year's highlights will include a parade of U.S. Navy, Coast Guard and Canadian ships on Saturday the 9th and an air show over the Bay featuring the Navy's own Blue Angels on Saturday and Sunday. Other military and civilian acrobatic aircraft will also perform. Ships will be open to the general public for tours Sunday and Monday, the 10th and 11th, and there will be other activities to attend. For more information about Fleet Week, check out www.fleetweek.us.
All this is part of the Fleet Week theme of honoring the sea services - the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. However, these services are more than just the active duty personnel and the hardware on display. As we all know, Reserve Component support is crucial to the mission of national defense. And crucial to the Reserves' ability to support that mission is the support given them by their civilian employers. This year, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) and its Fleet Week Coordinator, Robert Peterson, CAPT, USNR (Ret) want to help you recognize your boss and business colleagues who have gone the extra mile in supporting your Ready Reserve participation. Certainly there are a number of ways they've helped support your military commitment, yet many of these people and their efforts have never been acknowledged.
Well, here's your chance to show your appreciation. ESGR has arranged two special tours onboard USS Makin Island (LHD 8) for Sunday the 10th. These tours are specifically for your employers and their families as well as you and your families. The tours will commence at 0900 at the head of Pier 30/32 located on the San Francisco Embarcadero about a mile south of the Oakland Bay Bridge. Each group will be limited to a total of 20 people. The tours will last about an hour. Please, no children under eight years of age. If you are interested in having your employer attend one of them, take the following action:
No later than 05 OCTOBER email recdpete@msn.com your name, rate/rank, phone number, unit and NOSC, the name of your employer and each attendee (including children) and a contact email and phone number for each. Due to the limited number of slots available, the tours will be filled on a first come basis.
Take this for action now! Identify the people you want to recognize and submit their names ASAP. ESGR has arranged Fleet Week employer events for several years. Employers are regularly in awe of what they see and better appreciate the serious commitment and significant responsibilities each of their employees undertakes as a member of the Ready Reserve. We all appreciate being recognized for a job well done. Here's a chance to turn the tables and give your boss a Bravo Zulu in return. It's a win for everyone.
California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve
Region 1: Northern California
Fresno, CA: On 18 September, I had the honor to present a Patriotic Award and get a signed Statement Of Support by Supervisor Gerald Lucas of the VA Hospital Maintenance Department in Fresno, CA. He was nominated by Staff Sergeant Adolph Dominguez of the Fresno California Air National Guard Base 144th Civil Engineer Squadron. Staff Sergeant Adolph Dominguez states, "My boss is the best boss any military personnel can have. He supports me in all my military trainings, events that I am involved with." Gerald Lucas is an eight year U.S. Army veteran. He served in the first Gulf War.
This morning, Wednesday 22, September, I was invited to attend the second annual, “Real Heroes” Breakfast sponsored by the Napa Valley American Red Cross, held at the Silverado Golf and Country Club to Honor Local “Real Heroes”. I was invited to represent ESGR by UBS PaineWebber, Napa Office. UBS PaineWebber signed our Statement of Support way back in 2003, signed by the Corporate CEO, Joseph Grano with ESGR Chief of Staff, Marine Major General Bobby Hollingsworth, USMC Ret, officiating. UBS has been supportive ever since!
There were over 100 guests at the recognition ceremony, held to honor “Extraordinary people with Extraordinary Passion”. There were six categories covering everything from Environmental recovery of watershed and erosion control; Education leadership at Napa Valley College; Good Samaritan Award for raising $15,000 for Haiti Earthquake Relief; Animal training to assist the sick and disabled using Canine Assisted Therapy; Public Safety for four members of a Volunteer Firewise Board that planned and prepared local communities to mitigate the impact of wildland fires in the Napa area.
The most memorable and heart rending Award was for the Military Award Winner, Napa resident and California National Guard Chief Warrant Officer, Scott St. Aubin, a Blackhawk Medivac Helicopter Pilot who was deployed to operate in the difficult terrain of Afghanistan’s Pech River Valley. On a rescue mission in July 2009, under heavy Taliban ground fire, his crew was attempting to rescue a critically wounded Army soldier from a 16 man squad pinned down in a steep ravine. No Gunship helicopters were available to protect the Blackhawk Rescue Chopper. Scott decided they would affect the rescue anyway as the soldier could not survive much longer.
He could not land as the terrain was to narrow and steep. He was forced to hover and lower his medic to the ground, taking heavy automatic weapons fire. His medic had the critically injured soldier lifted and told Scott to leave him and rush the soldier to a field hospital.
The story does not end here. Amazingly, Scott returned to the battle five more times, refueled, loaded water and ammunition, dropping the supplies to the squad fighting below! Still under heavy fire! Rescued 4 other wounded soldiers! All the soldiers in the squad survived and were evacuated safely! Incredibly Scott’s Blackhawk was not damaged!
Scott St. Alban was also awarded the “Distinguished Flying Cross” by the U.S. Army and also received the “Rescue of the Year Award” from the Army Aviation Association!
Speaking with Scott prior to the ceremony, he said, “ he was keenly aware of ESGR as he needed assistance from ESGR Ombudsmen service during his early National Guard service”! Scott St. Alban received a Standing Ovation! He said, “he would rather be shot at than have to make a speech!”
Since our Nation's founding over 200 years ago, patriotic Americans have answered the call of duty when our country has needed it most. As family members, employees, and leaders in their communities, members of the National Guard and Reserve give of themselves at home and abroad to preserve the American way of life. These dedicated citizens leave the comfort of their civilian lives to wear the uniform of the United States, protect our freedoms around the world, and serve within our borders during times of peace as well as turmoil. As we celebrate National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, we honor those who serve in the National Guard and Reserve, and we give thanks to their employers, whose support and encouragement is critical to the strength of our Armed Forces.
Making up nearly half of our military force, the men and women in the National Guard and Reserve play a vital role in our national defense. Throughout the year, they train and prepare for new challenges faced in missions at home and across the globe. Whether providing assistance in response to natural disasters and emergencies, helping secure our borders to protect our homeland, or fighting on the front lines to defend our freedom, these gallant service members are willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice in the service of others. Their dedication commands the admiration of us all as they balance the demands of civilian and military life.
During this week, we pay special tribute to the employers of our Guardsmen and Reservists, whose support and flexibility bolster the contributions of these brave men and women. Through accommodating personnel policies that encourage National Guard and Reserve participation, and by bearing financial and organizational responsibilities, these employers ensure that our troops are mission-ready when they are activated, and that their families will have the support they need before and after their loved ones' mobilization.
Our Nation has always relied upon the service of citizen- soldiers to protect our lives and liberties. During National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week, we recognize both the exceptional spirit of service that characterizes these individuals, and their employers' commitment to maintaining the safety and security of the United States by caring for those who defend it.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim September 19 through September 25, 2010, as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. I call upon all Americans to join me in expressing our heartfelt thanks to the members of the National Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers. I also call on State and local officials, private organizations, and all military commanders, to observe this week with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventeenth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.
Hello everybody! Good news!!!
Guard and Reserve Members' Spouses can now Honor their Supportive Employer with the Patriot Award.
During the past year, ESGR volunteers have heard a number of stories telling them about military spouses' employers providing outstanding support to families of service members, along with recommendations to include employers of military spouses for Patriot Award consideration. ESGR has answered the call; the Outreach Subcommittee recommended and Mr. Young approved that spouses can now nominate their supportive supervisor for the Patriot Award.
We've made it simple for a spouse to nominate their supervisor. We've added a separate nomination form to the ESGR website and they can easily get to the form by going directly to www.esgr.org/PA or CLICK HERE.
For one Wichita, Kansas spouse, her supervisor shifted her nursing schedule at Wesley Medical Center. When her husband deployed, her supervisor allowed the mother of three to continue working, but also to be at home for their children during the school year. When babysitter options became too difficult to coordinate, she was granted a leave of absence with no questions asked. In Clarinda, Iowa, Teresa Johnson says Goldenrod Manor helped her with lawn care and sent care packages to her deployed husband. Teresa's supervisor is always willing to listen and work with her to accommodate her needs. This support is invaluable because not only is Teresa's husband deployed, but both of her sons are also overseas.
We want to capture more great stories like these and ask that you help spread the word that all spouses of Guard and Reserve members are now eligible to nominate their employers for the Patriot Award.
To nominate their employer, they can go directly to www.esgr.org/PA and fill out the spouse nomination form. Each nominated supervisor will receive a Department of Defense Certificate of Appreciation and a Patriot lapel pin. The certificate can be provided to the spouse for presentation to his or her employer, or presented to the employer by the ESGR State Committee. Exhibit Arts will send a copy of the nomination information with the certificates to the state committee.
We want to encourage the RC Chiefs to let service members and families know about the expansion and if you have ideas on how we can best spread the word, please let Public Affairs know at ESGR-PA@osd.mil!
On September 11, 2010, California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve was active with the 426th CA BN as they conducted OPN Valiant Warrior and commemorative events of September 11, 2001. The 426th had over 30 soldiers jumping into the Southern DZ at Edwards Air Force Base. After all of the jumpers had landed the unit conducted a Wreath Ceremony honoring the tragedies' of September 11th. The unit also conducted a memorial BBQ and had static displays for the families and the employers.
CONTACT: Patrick Kuykendall, Chief of Staff, California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves
On 10 September 2010 the Seven Seals Award was presented to Martha Dominguez of Bill Bragg Plumbing who was a Secretary of Defense Freedom Award winner for 2009. After Bill Bragg Plumbing was notified of being a Freedom Award winner, Martha Dominguez (office manager) volunteered to become an ESGR volunteer assisting in Northern California and the Bay area.
CONTACT: Patrick Kuykendall, Chief of Staff, California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves
On September 10, 2010, California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves Chairman Andrew Wiktorowicz presented the Pro-Patria Award to 2010 Secretary of Defense Freedom Award Winner (small business) Bill Bragg Plumbing at the Marine Memorial in San Francisco. Bill Bragg plumbing was one of 15 Freedom Award winners for 2009. Also Mr. Bragg was also presented the Above and Beyond Award and the ESGR challenge coin.
Guest honored from Bill Bragg Plumbing were: Mr. Bill Bragg, Mrs Elsa Bragg, Mr. Edwin Flores (the Alameda NOSC Petty Officer who nominated Bill Bragg Plumbing), Mr. Thomas Ventura, Mr. Dean Williams and our own ESGR Volunteer and The Bill Bragg Plumbing HR Director, Ms. Martha Dominguez.
On September 10, 2010, the Seven Seals Award was presented by the California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves to MG Mike Myatt (USMC Retired). MG Myatt is a strong supporter of the ESGR program and has been active in the San Francisco Fleet Week events for many years. California ESGR will be active with the Fleet Week events in early October.
CONTACT: Patrick Kuykendall, Chief of Staff, California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves
On September 9, 2010, California ESGR Volunteers met with members of the Intuit Military Network team to discuss working strategies in assisting our Country's National Guard and Reserve members with job and employment issues. Intuit, a Secretary of Defense Freedom Award Winner 2010 is a strong supporter of the Guard and Reserves and has over 8000 employees, including Veterans. The military network is a new program Intuit has developed which will work with Veterans and Guard and Reserve members at all of there locations.
CONTACT: Patrick Kuykendall, Chief of Staff, California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves
BREA CALIFORNIA: California Chairman Mr. Andrew Wiktorowicz, California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves announces that ProForce Law Enforcement has signed a "Statement of Support" recognizing the importance of the Guard and Reserves. ProForce Law Enforcement has a dedicated staff consisting of Reservists and Veterans at both locations in California and Arizona. ProForce also recognizes the many Law Enforcement Officers and personnel who protect our cities and states in their careers and then protect our Country serving in the Guard and Reserves.
CONTACT: Patrick Kuykendall, Chief of Staff, California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves
Dear California ESGR Volunteers and Staff,
We are approaching the end of ESGR's 38th year. And what a year it has been!It's hard to believe my appointment began only 11 months ago. In that brief time I have been blessed with many new friends… all of you and our warrior counterparts.
I want to thank you personally for your warm welcome and enthusiastic support of our mission. We can all be justifiably proud of our accomplishments this year. Let's take a moment to enumerate them:
California ESGR 2010 Activities:
These are just a few of the highlights of a very significant year. Each of you has contributed to this extraordinary year of high achievement. Please take a moment to relish the success… then let's start work on an even greater 2011!
Warmest Regards,
I presented a Patriotic Award to Battalion Fire Chief Mike Hickey aboard Naval Air Station Lemoore Fire Station #2 Ops site. He was nominated by Chief Petty Officer Antonio Guadron. Chief Petty Officer Guadron states, "My boss has done everything and anything within his power to accommodate our reserve commitment. We never hear a 'no' answer from him. We hear from him, let me find out and see how I can help you out. This is the kind of dedication that deserves to be recognized and emulated by other employers. Therefore I, Chief Petty Officer Antonio Guadron nominated my Battalion Chief the Patriotic Award."
Battalion Fire Chief Mike Hickey requested that a picture be taken of all his men and women firefighters. He wants to share this Patriotic Award with all of them.
Two Patriotic Awards were presented to General Manager Scott Grimes and District Sales Manger Quinn Chavez, and they signed two Statements Of Support. They where nominated by Navy Reserve Petty Officer First Class Charles Crouch of the Navy Expeditionary Intelligence Command. He states both managers offer great support while serving in the Navy Reserve.
The California Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today that Phil Johnson and Patrick Dobson of Sims-Grupe Management Co. were honored with Patriot Awards in recognition of extraordinary support of its employee(s) who serve in the California National Guard and Reserve.
ESGR Volunteer Ted Palise submitted this news item.
Phil Johnson President of Sims- Grupe Management Co. signed a Statement of Support expressing his support for employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.
ESGR Volunteer Ted Palise submitted this news item.
I nominated Chief Petty Officer Jamie Andrade for the Department of Defense Above and Beyond Award for his strong support for ESGR, leadership skills, and for being an excellent role model for the 900 men & women of the Navy Reserve aboard Naval Air Station Lemoore. He has been transferred and is now deployed aboard the USS John C. Stennis CVN 74 Aircraft Carrier in the Persian Gulf.
The Irvine Police Department and the City of Irvine, were recognized and honored by the California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DoD) agency, for their outstanding support of the many City employees serving in the Guard and Reserve at a recent City Council Meeting.
Numerous city officials were honored with DoD/ESGR certificates from the California ESGR Chair, Mr. Andrew Wiktorowicz, for their untiring devotion and dedication to the numerous employees who serve not only the City of Irvine, but also serve our country as Armed Forces Guard and Reservists. Among the award honorees was Mr. Sukhee Kang, the Mayor of Irvine. Mayor Sukhee received an "Above and Beyond" award for his personal leadership and on behalf of the entire Irvine city government for their outstanding benefits and treatment of their Guard and Reservists. This award was created by DoD/ESGR to publicly recognize America's employers who provide extraordinary patriotic support and cooperation to their employees, who like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their Nation's call to serve. Mayor Kang spoke on behalf of the City Council and the City of Irvine and told the City Council meeting's audience "I am very proud to accept this award and we are grateful to have these Guard and Reservists serving not only our country but our great City."
In addition, Mr. Wiktorowicz and Brigadier General Keith Jones, Commanding General of Joint Forces Training Base, Los Alamitos asked Mayor Kang and Chief of Police David L. Maggard to step forward to accept The Pro Patria Award on behalf of the City of Irvine and the Irvine Police Department. Mr. Wiktorowicz declared to all in attendance, "It's truly an honor to stand in front of you tonight representing the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, Mr. Dennis McCarthy and the National Leadership of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves to recognize the City fathers of the great City of Irvine. Its employers like the City of Irvine that demonstrates their sense of pride and dedication by supporting their employees who are also serving their Nation as Citizen Soldiers. Across the Great State of California we have over 68,000 Guard and Reservist who are employed by over 15,000 California employers. We are proud to present you with the DoD/ESGR Pro Patria Award tonight for your outstanding care and treatment of your Guard and Reservists." The Pro Patria Award is the DoD/ESGR's second highest award and each State Chairmanmen is limited to only three such presentations annually, one of which to an employer in the public sector. It is presented to those employers who demonstrate exceptional support towards our national defense by adopting personnel policies that make it easier for employees to participate in the National Guard and Reserve.
However, the highlight of the evening came when In addition to the awards presented during this impressive standing room only ceremony, it was announced that the Irvine Police Department and the City of Irvine were recently notified that they had been selected as a Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award winner for 2010, the highest award given to employers by the Department of Defense and the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. It was a grateful employee, Police Lieutenant Tom Allan, that first brought the ESGR's attention to the outstanding support that he and others receive throughout their dual careers. Lieutenant Allan also serves our country as a Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps Reserves. Over 2,500 Guard and Reserve members, or their family members, from across the country nominated their employers for exceptional support, which can include providing full or differential pay, continuation of benefits, care packages and even family support to their employees during extended military activations. On behalf of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, a National Selection Board comprised of senior defense department officials, business leaders and prior Freedom Award recipients, selected the fifteen 2010 Freedom Award honorees. This year's Freedom Awards will be presented to these outstanding employers during a formal ceremony on September 23, 2010 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
Press Release by Cheryl DeNoi, CA ESGR Public Affairs
Fifteen Employers Nationwide Receive Top Honor for Guard and Reserve Support
ARLINGTON, VA. July 8, 2010
The Department of Defense has announced the recipients of the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. Government to employers for their outstanding support of their employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve. Marking the 15th anniversary of the award, instituted in 1996 under then Secretary of Defense William Perry, this year’s honorees range from a small plumbing company to a state government to a large grocery store chain.
“With 2010 marking the 15th anniversary of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, it gives me great pleasure to announce this year’s recipients,” said James G. Rebholz, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) National Chairman. “This year recipients are among the top U.S. employers that provide outstanding support for Guard and Reserve employees. Their superior and unselfish initiatives to support their Guard and Reserve employees make them indispensable partners in the defense efforts of this country. We are truly grateful for their unwavering support.”
Almost 2,500 Guard and Reserve members, or their family members, from across the country nominated employers for exceptional support, which included providing full salary, continuation of benefits, care packages and even family support to employees fulfilling their military obligation. On behalf of Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, a National Selection Board comprised of senior defense officials, business leaders and prior Freedom Award recipients selected the 2010 Freedom Award honorees. The Freedom Award will be presented to these employers during a formal ceremony Thursday, September 23, 2010 at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center in Washington, D.C.
About ESGR and the Freedom Award
The Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 whose mission is to develop and promote 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. Since 1996, only 130 companies have been presented with the prestigious Freedom Award. For more information, please visit www.FreedomAward.mil.
Law went into effect 14 AUG 2009, however:
Qualifying Service:
General Rights for Returning Service Members:
“Promptly readmit” means in next class or classes in student’s program. Exceptions.
This information is provided courtesy of the US Department of Education and is not part of the ESGR Mission, nor can ESGR staff or volunteers assist with this policy.
For more information, see the link to the Dept. of Education at: 34 CFR Parts 600, 668, 675, et al.
FORT HUNTER LIGGETT, CA, June 29, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- With thousands of Reserve and Guard personnel supporting overseas contingency operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, maintaining good relations between service members and their employers during a time of conflict is paramount.
The troops, who are called to defend the nation for up to a year at a time, must rest easy knowing their civilian jobs will be waiting for them upon return from overseas.
Recently, seven local employers toured Fort Hunter Liggett through an innovative initiative called Boss Lift to get a first-hand look at how their employees train while they serve in the military. The program was sponsored by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in conjunction with the 91st Training Brigade, U.S. Army Reserve, headquartered here.
"ESGR has a tough job," said Brig. Gen. James T. Cook, Commanding General, 91st Training Brigade. "They are a group of volunteers looking out both for the Soldier and the needs of the employer to maintain that relationship. We cannot exist as a Reserve force without that relationship."
The visitors flew to Fort Hunter Liggett via an MC-130P aircraft, piloted by Air National Guard members of the 129th Rescue Wing, based at Moffett Federal Airfield, Calif. Upon landing at Forward Operating Base (FOB) Schoonover, a training base similar to operational bases in Afghanistan, the employers attended a briefing by Cook at the 91st Training Brigade headquarters where they were shown that their employee/Soldiers really are in good hands.
"We own them and take care of them," said Cook. "We don't pay them overtime, but they're happy as long as they get trained. We don't waste their time."
Employers sometimes think their employees just disappear to do "Army things," not realizing how important and involved their military career can be - and it can be useful to the employers also, he added.
Nick Glero, manager of credit operations for Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) in Stockton, Calif., saw the benefits of seeing his employee in his trademark Army uniform - Sgt. Maj. Rupert Espinosa, operations and training sergeant major, 91st Training Brigade, who works in the records department with PG&E when not serving in the Army Reserve.
"What we don't know, we don't know," said Glero. "It's amazing the amount of parallels between work and the Army when it comes to planning and executing. As an employer, I can run my organization a lot more efficiently and make best use of Rupert's talents in the office knowing how he works here."
"It's been a pleasure to show Nick what goes on here and to see what I'm doing in the Army," said Espinosa. "Without operations and training, there is no training."
The Boss Lift allowed employers to see the intense pre-deployment training the Army Reserve is currently using during the Combat Support Training Exercise (CSTX), a month-long training exercise involving more than 2,000 Army Reserve troops from across the country. They experienced being in a convoy that encountered a roadside bomb and came under attack by role-playing enemy forces. They were then able to sit in an After Action Review (AAR) of the convoy attack courtesy of SRI International's advanced GPS-based tracking technology, which allows every Soldier movement to be tracked, recorded, and realistically recreated in a three-dimensional representation of the battlefield.
The terrain of Fort Hunter Liggett, the 8th largest installation in the Army's inventory, matches that of Afghanistan and northern Iraq, making it ideal for pre-deployment training exercises that accurately reflect what troops can expect to encounter when deployed. The employers received a tour of a makeshift forward operating base, and got a taste of the life of a Soldier deployed overseas.
"This is great, I feel like a kid in a candy store," said Glero, who for the first time was able to don a combat helmet, eat a Meal Ready-to-Eat, and tour the tent city out at the FOB. "It's a real honor to be here and to experience what our troops do for us."
Steven Willms, a sergeant in the California Department of Corrections, working out of Salinas Valley State Prison, was also proud to be a part of the event. After serving 26 years in the Army, he personally knows the sacrifice being made by his employee, Staff Sgt. Mary Curiel, a human resources specialist with the 91st Training Brigade and a corrections officer in the civilian world.
"This is a great program for employers who have never served," said Willms. "It gives them a bite of realism to see what it means to serve your country and to see what those who are serving go through."
"Steve has been great," said Curiel. "He understands what it is like to be in the Army, which makes life a lot easier for me."
Building good relationships between citizen-Soldier employees and their employers is the mission of ESGR. The Boss Lift event is a perfect example of strengthening that bond.
Article by Staff Sargent Christopher Pisano, 361 Public Affairs Operations Center
A Patriotic Award was persented to Perry Palmer, General Manager of The Home Depot in Fresno, CA. He also signed a Statement of Support. Perry Palmer is a 28 year retired Active Army Sergeant Major. He was nominated by Technical Sergeant Patrick Latour of the 144 Wing Fresno California Air National Guard Base in Fresno, CA for being very supportive of the Air Guard state missions.
A Patriot Award was presented to Mitch Farmer, supervisor of Grundfos Corporation. Mr. Farmer also signed a Statement of Support. He was nominated by Sergeant Phillip Haworth of the Army National Guard Hammer Field Armory Complex (D Co 1/185ht AR BN) in Fresno, CA. Grundofs is a Danish Company with its headquarters in Denmark. They employ 350 employees. Alvarez said "I was very touched when I was informed that since 9/11 the company sends monthly care packages to our men and women in uniform who are fighting overseas. Grundfos Cooperation supports our military 100%."
WASHINGTON, June 7, 2010 - Secretary of Defense Robert M. Gates has appointed Major General (Ret.) Ronald G. Young as Chief of Staff of the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
General Young has comprehensive national level experience leading and caring for Soldiers and Airmen including direct oversight of family readiness and reintegration programs supporting over 450,000 Air and Army National Guard members and their families.
Prior to this appointment, General Young served as Acting Director of the National Guard Bureau Joint Staff as well as Director of Manpower and Personnel in the office of the Chief, National Guard Bureau. He has an extensive military background with over 42 years of service including command at every level from detachment to brigade and three separate general officer-level commands.
"General Young has a proven success record in management and leadership. He comes to this position with a tremendous knowledge of the Reserve components. His expertise in personnel issues and family readiness will be a great asset as ESGR moves forward," said Dennis M. McCarthy, assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs.
ESGR is a Department of Defense agency with the mission of gaining and maintaining the support of public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR operates through volunteer committees in each U.S. State and Territory to accomplish this mission.
For more information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, please call 800-336-4590 or visit www.esgr.org.
MG (R) Gravett and wife Col (R) Blanche Gravett hold the "Spirit of Volunteerism Eagle" merit award. The merit award was presented to former State Chairmanman of the Southern California Employer Support of the Guard and reserve. MG (R) Gravett has volunteered for ESGR for over 15 years and spent more than 35 years in the United States Army and Army National Guard. Also pictured is Mr. Andrew Wiktorowicz, the State Chairmanman for the California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.
MG (R) Peter J. Gravett also received the Office of the Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service. MG (R) Gravett was presented the award by LTG Jack C. Stultz, Chief of the Army Reserve and Commanding General, US Army Reserve Command. The program was attended by Mr. Andrew Wiktorowicz, State Chairmanman for the California ESGR, MG John Harrel, USAR and BG Keith Jones, JFTB Commanding General. MG (R) Gravett served as the State Chairmanman for the Southern California ESGR from October 2006-September 2009. MG (R) Gravett was also recognized for serving over 35 years of commissioned service with the US Army and the Army National Guard.
ARLINGTON, Va. – Intuit of Mountain View, Bill Bragg Plumbing of San Francisco and the Irvine Police Department have been selected as three of 30 national finalists for the 2010 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The award is the U.S. Government’s highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. This year marks the 15th anniversary of the award which was instituted in 1996 under then Secretary of Defense William Perry.
Please click here for official press release
A Patriot Award was presented to Under Sheriff Scott Jones of the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department, who also signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve. He was nominated by Ensign Jimmy Robnett of the Coast Guard Reserves.
Representatives from the National Guard visited the CSDR to present several awards. Read the story in their CSDR Newsletter.
Contra Costa County Sheriff Warren Rupf was honored with an ESGR Patriot Award from Deputy/SSG Michael Avila, B/1/184 IN - Camp Parks, CA. The award was presented by John Woolley, James Franklin, and Phil Stage. Many friends were there to include the Undersheriff Scott Daly and friends of SSG Availa, including his fiancé.
A Patriotic Employer (Patriot) Award was presented to First Lieutenant Keith Troy at the California Army National Guard Hammer Field Armory Complex, Field Maintenance Shop #25 in Fresno, CA. 1LT Troy also signed an ESGR Statement of Support.
First Lieutenant Troy was nominated by Sergeant Joshua Cracy of A Co1/184th Inf.
Los Angeles, CA - California Chairman Andrew Wiktorowicz presented five Patriot Awards and a “Seven Seals” Award to Manatt, Phelps and Phillips LLP on February 24, 2010. The nominator, Col Umberg, is an attorney with Manatt, Phelps and Phillips and is honored to be able to recognize the leadership of the organization with Patriot Awards. Col Umberg, is currently deployed in Afghanistan and is scheduled to return to California in June 2010.
BG Robin Umberg was on hand to share her husband’s appreciation to such a supportive group of partners and fellow employees. About 25 attorneys and staff showed up at the LA office and another 15 were linked by video feed from the Orange County Office to participate in the event. Mr. Wiktorowicz noted “support for the Guard and Reserve Warriors is a very important part of the Manatt, Phillips and Phelps Law Firm”.
As the 1.3 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America's borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of the law, and resolves conflict through mediation.
Long Beach, CA - On the afternoon of February 13, 2010, California ESGR Chairman Andrew Wiktorowicz presented a “Seven Seals” award to Maria-Isabel Soto, Council President, Long Beach Navy League. Ms. Soto is a very strong supporter of the Guard and Reserves and is involved with many organizations in the Long Beach area that supports the United States Military. CAPT Michael Argo, Commanding Officer, Navy Operational Support Center Los Angeles, was also on hand for the presentation and the photo capturing the event.
Earlier that same day, Mr. Wiktorowicz had the opportunity to speak aboard the S.S Lane Victory to over 30 veterans about ESGR and how important the organization is to our Guard and Reserve Warriors. The briefing also included a question and answer segment that brought up many good discussion points among the group of veterans. Before the official meeting a tour of the ship and the museum took place.
Shannon Suarez of Martinsburg Institute receives Seven Seals Award
Rosanna Indie of Jobing.com receives Seven Seals Award
Santa Ana Police DepartmentCalifornia Archives at National ESGR Website
California Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Contacts
| Andrew C. Wiktorowicz P.E. State Chairman Bus: 562-936-1746 E-mail: Chairman@caesgr.org |
Region 1: Northern California Office Robert Anderson, Reg. 1 Chair 9800 Goethe Road, Box 37, Sacramento, CA 95826 Ph: 916-854-3106 | Fax: 916-854-3439 |
Region 1 |
Patrick R. Kuykendall |
Region 2: Central California Office Roxanne Talman, Reg. 2 Co-Chairs 4522 Saratoga Ave., Bldg. 15-145 Los Alamitos JFTB, CA 90720 Ph: 562-936-1746 | Fax: 562-936-1748 | Region 2 |
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Region 3: Southern California Office Mike Chaplin, Reg. 3 Chair 937 North Harbor Drive., Box 52, Bldg1 4th Floor, Rm 404, San Diego, CA 92123-5108 Ph: 619-532-4102 |
Region 3 |
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