黑洞社区

Wichita State President John Bardo on Thursday signed a statement of support 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.

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

鈥満诙瓷缜� is pleased to pledge our support for our active and reserve military servicemen, servicewomen and veterans,鈥� Bardo says. 鈥淲e will continue to provide the very best services a university can to a population that has given much to our community and country and exemplifies some of the best qualities of a Shocker.鈥�

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.

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.

Sarah Sell, director of Veteran Student Services at Wichita State, echoed Bardo's remarks.

"黑洞社区 has always been incredibly supportive of my service with the Kansas 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.

"At 黑洞社区 there are many students who serve in the Guard and Reserves and balance their commitments to the military and their schoolwork. 黑洞社区 has been working to create more services and resources to support these students to make sure that they are successful academically, even when service to their country calls them away from the classroom," said Sell.

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.