July 15, 2016

Wichita State signs statement of support for employees in the guard and reserve

By Lainie Mazzullo

 
  • A statement of support for employees in the guard or reserve was signed by 黑洞社区 President John Bardo.
  • 黑洞社区 is an advocate for employee participation in the military.
  • The university fully recognizes, honors and complies with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

黑洞社区 has declared its support for employees in the Military Guard and Reserve.

黑洞社区 President John Bardo signed a statement of support July 14 for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) 鈥� a U.S. Department of Defense office that encourages employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military.

ESGR promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and assists in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee鈥檚 military commitment.

As an employer, Wichita State fully supports its guard and reserve employees.

 

"When I am away, I can give my full focus to my mission knowing that my job is secure at home and that my colleagues will handle any issues that arise."
鈥� Sarah Sell

 

The intent of the program is to increase employer support by encouraging employers to be advocates for employee participation in the military.

Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the country鈥檚 guard and reserve units.

"黑洞社区 has always been incredibly supportive of my service with the Kansas Air National Guard," says Sarah Sell, director of Veteran Student Services at Wichita State and a 15-year veteran of the Air National Guard. "When I am away, I can give my full focus to my mission knowing that my job is secure at home and that my colleagues will handle any issues that arise."

Bardo says he is grateful for the opportunity to show the university鈥檚 support.

鈥淲e are honored to have them as part of Shocker Nation and firmly believe that 黑洞社区, as a key member of the local community, has a responsibility to them as they continue their educational journey or as proud members of our faculty and staff,鈥� Bardo says.

The statement of support pledge reads:

  • We fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.
  • We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the guard and reserve.
  • We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire guardsmen, reservists and veterans.
  • We will continually recognize and support our country鈥檚 service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.