NASWA Dedicated to Supporting Employee Service in National Guard and Reserve

For Immediate Release

WASHINGTON - The National Association of State Workforce Agencies (NASWA) yesterday reiterated its strong commitment to supporting employee service in the National Guard and National Guard Reserve by signing a statement of support for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office.

"NASWA is proud to strongly support employee service with the National Guard and Reserve," said Scott B. Sanders, Executive Director of NASWA. "Employment security for the men and women who serve our nation bravely when they return to the workforce is critical. As such, it is essential to our organization, and our member agencies, to provide our own employees with every tool they need to be successful members of the National Guard and Reserve when they choose to serve. We are also delighted to be able to utilize the valuable skills they acquire while serving."

As a professional organization dedicated to supporting employee service in the National Guard and Reserve, NASWA reiterates their pledge to:

• Fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Provide NASWA managers and supervisors the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• Welcome the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and encourage other employers to also hire Guardsmen, Reservists, and Veterans.
• Continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises, and in war.

"Supportive professional associations like NASWA are critical to maintaining the readiness and strength of the nation's Guard and Reserve units and allow Guardsmen and Reservists the opportunity to serve our country more effectively and with greater peace of mind," said Craig McKinley, ESGR National Chairman. "By signing the Statement of Support, NASWA sends a clear message they stand committed to their r state military service and recognize the integrity, global perspective and proven leadership they bring to higher education and the workplace."