The Employer Support for Guard and Reserves (ESGR) program, established in 1972, continues to strengthen the bond between Guard and Reserve Service members and their civilian employers. The ESGR, an office within the Department of Defense, aims to develop supportive work environments, promote understanding of responsibilities, and ensure the smooth integration of military service and civilian employment.

Under the ESGR program, four key positions and opportunities exist in each region to support and promote its mission.

• Employer Outreach Representatives engage with employers to remind them of their obligations under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA).

• Ombudsmen act as mediators to resolve any potential misunderstandings between Guard and Reserve members and their employers.

• Public Affairs Representatives help promote the ESGR mission through various media outlets.

• Military Outreach Representatives inform and educate Guard and Reserve members about their obligations under USERRA.

To recognize and encourage support for the ESGR program, several awards have been established.

• The Employer Statement of Support is signed by employers as a commitment to backing Guard and Reserve members in their organizations. This statement can be proudly displayed in their offices.

• The Patriot Award, on the other hand, allows Guard and Reserve members and their spouses to nominate their civilian supervisors who face unique challenges when accommodating work schedules for training events and deployments.

North Idaho has been actively participating in the ESGR program, with recent achievements to showcase. Five Patriot Awards were presented to employers in the region, recognizing their outstanding commitment to supporting Guard Members and ESGR Volunteers. Additionally, 12 employers signed the Statement of Support, signifying their dedication to our local Citizen Soldiers. The recognition ceremonies were accompanied by photographs, which were shared on the Idaho ESGR Headquarters' Facebook page, along with a brief narrative about the employer's involvement.

Further reinforcing the connection between Guard Members and their civilian supervisors, the annual ESGR Boss in Boots Day event was hosted at the local Post Falls National Guard Armory on Saturday, July 8. This event provided an opportunity for local employers to experience firsthand the armory's operations and the training conducted by Guard Members for state and national contingencies. Local employers participated in the event, engaging in activities such as riding in convoys, receiving briefings on weapons systems, and sampling Meals Ready to Eat (MREs). The event served as a reminder of the ESGR program's significance and fostered camaraderie between Guard Members and their employers.

For individuals seeking more information about the ESGR program or wishing to get involved, they are encouraged to contact the Idaho ESGR Headquarters at 208-608-3816.

The ESGR program continues to serve as a vital link between Guard and Reserve Service members and their civilian employers, ensuring a supportive work environment and acknowledging the unique challenges faced by both parties. Through recognition and engagement, the program fosters a sense of appreciation and understanding, reinforcing the commitment to our local Citizen Soldiers.

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Kenneth Scott is a veterans representative for the Idaho Department of Labor Post Falls local office.