Atlanta – Thomas Wessels, chairman of t he Georgia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (GA ESGR) Committee, an agency of the Department of Defense, has announced that 34 presidents of the Technical College System of Georgia have signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for the Georgia National Guard and Reserve. The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that the state technical colleges:

• Support their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve;

• Have human resources policies that ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA);

• Promote training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve;

• Adopted polices and programs that are “above and beyond” what is required by the USERRA Law;

• Advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve and will help to promote the mission of ESGR.

“S upportive employers like these technical college presidents are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s National Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all employers to review and amend their current human resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA),” said Wessels.

Dr. Lloyd Horadan, President of Sandersville Technical College, served as a member of the United States Marine Corps and expressed his pride and support for employees and students of the college who also serve in the Guard and Reserve. Horadan was also quoted as saying that Sandersville Technical College will do everything possible to support the careers and educational pursuits of the employees and students serving in the Guard and Reserve.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active backing from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve through demonstrated employer commitment to military service. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and, if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions within America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue as the informational agency for the employers of America’s Patriots . More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil or by calling the Georgia Committee Office at 678-569-6037.