DICKINSON — The Military reserve defenses, including the National Guard and other Reserve units, account for approximately 38% of the total military force, according to the U.S. Department of Defense’s (DoD) 2022 demographic reports.
In North Dakota, the National Guard nearly 3,000 members serving in the North Dakota Army National Guard and 1,100 in the North Dakota Air National Guard.
These service members balance military commitments with civilian careers, making employer and family support crucial for maintaining their readiness and effectiveness.
Participants at the “Lunch with the Boss” event in Dickinson, including representatives from Baranko Brothers, Bravera, Abel Inc., and the Chamber of Commerce. Many attendees are either current National Guard members or veterans, showcasing the strong military ties within the local business community.
Manuel Holguin JR / The Dickinson Press
Enter the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). This DoD program, established in 1972, aims to foster a supportive work environment by advocating for the employment rights of National Guard and Reserve members.
Sherry Adams, the North Dakota ESGR State Chair, likened it to a three-legged stool comprising military, family, and civilian employment.
Stepheney Reger, Dickinson Region Chair and ESGR volunteer, delivering a presentation during the “Lunch with the Boss” event in Dickinson.
Manuel Holguin JR / The Dickinson Press
ESGR provides necessary tools to service members, their families, and their employers to maintain this balance during deployments and training, offering support and mediation when issues arise.
“Whatever it takes to take the pressure off the individual in the Guard or Reserve, so they can focus on keeping us safe,” Adams said.
ESGR achieves its mission through key activities such as employer outreach and educating employers about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), a federal law that protects the job rights of individuals who leave civilian jobs for military service.
Additionally, ESGR recognizes employers who overdeliver in supporting their enlisted employees, by presenting them with awards like the Patriot Award and the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award.
ESGR offers Ombudsman services, who provide informal mediation to resolve employment conflicts, ensuring issues are handled fairly and efficiently.
ESGR operates nationwide with the help of approximately 3,000 volunteers who work in state and territory committees.
North Dakota has 40 ESGR volunteers, all vetted by the DoD, who play a crucial role in fostering a culture of understanding and support for the Reserve Component within the civilian workforce.
“Everything we do is volunteer. When people are deployed, it’s usually a unit, so there’s a lot of people being deployed. You need volunteers to ensure they get the education they need,” said Stepheney Reger, a Dickinson Region ESGR volunteer and chair.
Sherry Adams, the North Dakota ESGR State Chair, and ESGR representative Paul Bonicelli share a moment during the “Lunch with the Boss” event in Dickinson.
Manuel Holguin JR / The Dickinson Press
ESGR needs all the volunteers it can get. With the North Dakota National Guard actively involved in various state and national missions, the need for these critical roles will continue, as will the need for more volunteers. “As more issues arise across the United States, whether related to weather, politics, or unrest, there will be an increasing need for the National Guard and others to serve our country,” Adams said.
For volunteers like Reger and Adams, their service is not seen as unpaid work but as a meaningful way to give back. “All of us who are part of ESGR do it for the love of our country. This is our way of saying thank you to the military,” Reger added. “It shows that we are the first. We are still one nation.”
Visit the
ESGR website
for more information and contact details.
Manny joined The Dickinson Press in August 2023, where he focuses on local government, politics, crime, and public safety. For story tips or inquiries, you can reach Manny at 701-456-1211 or via email at mholguin@thedickinsonpress.com.
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Publish date : 2024-08-23 08:52:00
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