The Georgia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced today the Federal Law Enforcement Training Accreditation (FLETA) was honored with an “Above and Beyond” award in recognition of extraordinary support of its employees who serve in the Georgia National Guard and Reserve.
According to Thomas Wessels ESGR Georgia Chair, “The ESGR ‘Above and Beyond’ Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize American 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. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units.”
FLETA joins with thousands of American Employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act Law (USERRA). Many employers provide “Above and Beyond” support with pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits which complement coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized.
“This group of Georgia employers continues to provide superior support to their employees who serve in the Georgia National Guard and Reserve. I am challenging all of Georgia’s employers to rise to this level in their support, and to stand proudly with their employees, who like the Minutemen before them, continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life.”
-Thomas Wessels GA ESGR State Chair
FLETA, Office of Accreditation, Executive Director, Gary Mitchell accepted this award on behalf of the FLETA Board at a ceremony honoring the recipients in Savannah, Georgia on August 15, 2008. This award was presented in appreciation of FLETA Program Manager, Steve Argiriou who recently returned from a one year tour of duty in Baghdad, Iraq. Steve was on assignment as the Chief, Operational Law/Military Justice for the Multi-National Security Transition Command-Iraq Office of the Staff Judge Advocate.
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 provides education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling, Jawana Latimer at 678-569-6455.
