coesgr newsletter june 2012
DESCRIPTION
June edition of the Colorado Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) newsletter. Our featured article this month is on our recent Annual Employer Awards Banquet and the exceptional employers that earned recognition for their support of their employees in the National Guard and ReserveTRANSCRIPT
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JUNE 2012
Welcome to Colorado ESGR. Our purpose is to have an informative newsletter that Welcome to Colorado ESGR. Our purpose is to have an informative newsletter that Welcome to Colorado ESGR. Our purpose is to have an informative newsletter that
will educate, inform, and promote service by and to ESGR while fulfilling our mission will educate, inform, and promote service by and to ESGR while fulfilling our mission will educate, inform, and promote service by and to ESGR while fulfilling our mission
of supporting Employers, Guard/Reserve members, and COESGR Volunteers.of supporting Employers, Guard/Reserve members, and COESGR Volunteers.of supporting Employers, Guard/Reserve members, and COESGR Volunteers.
Click on pictures or links for websites
Colorado ESGR’s Annual Awards Banquet, held on May 4th, 2012, at the Marriot Tech Center Hotel, was singularly honored by having as our special guest and keynote speaker the Vice Chairman of the Joint
Chiefs of Staff, Admiral James “Sandy” Winnefeld.
This was one of the first, if not the first, for either of our two highest ranking officers of our military to address an ESGR event. In Admiral Winnefeld’s talk, raptly listened to by the some 400 attending, he praised the work of ESGR and the importance of the efforts to assist in helping getting our Guard and Reserve, as well as veterans, back into the civilian work force. He knew of our coordinated efforts here in Colorado where the many governmental and non-profits organizations have collaborated to put on three day Military and Veteran Employment Expos (MVEE) in which the first two days are devoted solely to helping our military person get prepared to be employed; and then insisting that the employers attending on the third day (at absolutely no coast to them) bring real jobs. The measurement of the effectiveness of these MVEE’s indicated they do work and are quite effective, the
Admiral indicated.
In attendance were Colorado’s Adjutant General Major General Edwards who introduced the Vice Chairman, National ESGR Executive Director Ron Young who spoke and thanked the many employers attending, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans Affairs Junior Ortiz who was the keynote speaker for the following day’s ESGR Volunteer Conference, and all of the Colorado National
Guard’s flag officers. (Continued next page)
Colorado’s ESGR Electronic Newsletter is published not only for the information and benefit of the members of the Colorado ESGR but most importantly to our Guard and Reserve members and their employers.
The contents of this newsletter highlight activities and events conducted by Colorado ESGR.
Send comments regarding this publication to the Newsletter Editor: James Garrett at [email protected]
“2012 Employer Awards Banquet
Pictures courtesy of ESGR Volunteer, Anthony Giambrone.
Top L-r; Dick Young, Adm Winnefeld, MajGen Edwards,
Ron Young.
The Marine Color Guard, members of
Marine Air Control Squadron 23,
presented the colors.
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All Awards Banquet pictures courtesy of ESGR Volunteer, Anthony Giambrone.
Ms. Susan Erickson
Major David Fennell, USMC
U. S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Service Center
The Above and Beyond Award honors, employers of National Guardsman and Reservists who go above and beyond the requirements of
the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Examples of above and beyond support from employ-
ers of RC members include continuation of benefits, providing pay differential and assisting with childcare.
Raytheon earned recognition for:
Providing full pay during periods of military service for up to five
years. Raytheon continues full health, dental and life insurance
benefits during any military service. Raytheon actively seeks to
employ national guardsman and reservists. Raytheon operates
holiday collection drives to support their deployed employees and
their families and is involved in a variety of support programs for
the military and community in general.
The Veterans Service Center earned recognition for:
Providing 15 days of paid military leave annually. Continuing
all benefits for employees during their absence due to military
duties. VA Health Administration Health Center supervisors
earned numerous Patriot Awards. Creation of a management
climate that “truly understands and appreciates the concept of a
citizen warrior”.
Raytheon, Aurora
Mr. Kenneth Romer
Major Adam Fisher, USAFR
“Seven Seals Award is
presented by the ESGR
State Chair in
recognition of
significant individual or
organizational
achievement, initiative
or support that
promotes the ESGR
mission.”
Jason Shireman
Ron Young, ESGR Admiral Winnefeld, VJCS
U. S. Department of Veterans Affairs
This year’s Seven Seals Award is in recognition for
exceptional support for Colorado ESGR’s recent
Military and Veterans Employment Expos.
Jason Shireman’s involvement in every facet of our
recent Military and Veterans Employment Expo in
Colorado Springs was key to its success. His
coordination of myriad details, including locating a host
facility, countless logistic and administrative details as
well as teaching employment readiness classes and
mentoring attendees enabled over 1000 people to
receive training and attend the job expo.
Some 60 veterans (many Guard and Reserve) who had served in Iraq/Afghanistan were our special
guests, thanks to a number of Colorado employers, and received a long, enthusiastic standing applause
from the entire room when they were introduced.
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All Awards Banquet pictures courtesy of ESGR Volunteer, Anthony Giambrone.
The Pro Patria Award is presented annually by Colorado ESGR to employers in Colorado who have provided the most exceptional
support for their employees in the National Guard and Reserve. Employers who are previous recipients of the Above and Beyond
Award and have signed an ESGR Statement of Support are eligible to receive the Pro Patria Award. The award is presented to
employers in three categories, Public Sector, Large Private Employer, and Small Private Employer.
TSgt Keli Jones, ANG Mr. Robert Strain
Ball Aerospace and Technologies
Ball Aerospace and Technologies earned recognition for:
Providing differential pay and continuation of benefits for
periods of military service. Ball has received several ESGR
Patriot Awards recognizing supervisors of employees in the
National Guard and Reserve. The company previously
earned and Above and Beyond and Pro Patria from
Colorado ESGR. Ball Aerospace and Technologies
Veterans Resource Group supports the military and
community projects. Of particular note, Ball aggressively
supported an employee whose son was injured in combat,
offering the family transportation to be their son’s side
during the recovery. Employees through their Resource
group also raised over $3500 to support the family's needs.
Colorado Springs Utilities
Mr. Bruce McCormick
Chief Petty Officer
Christopher Ortiz, USNR
Colorado Springs Utilities earned recognition for:
Providing differential pay for up five years. Continuing medical,
dental, life, short and long-term disability and spending account
benefits for deployed service members. Additionally, Colorado
Springs Utilities allows the spouse to continue to pay for benefits
while the other spouse is deployed, avoiding a change in health
plans due to military deployment. Establishing direct links with
military installations to actively recruit military personnel for
certain positions within the company. They regularly speak at
local Transition Assistance Program (TAP) briefs, allowing
them the opportunity to acquaint themselves with qualified
veterans.
Penrose St. Francis Health Systems
CDR Diane Leblanc, USNR, Ms. Margaret Sabin, Capt
Candace Garko, USAFR
Penrose St Francis Health Systems earned recognition
for:
“Providing differential pay and continuation of benefits for
periods of military service for up to six months. Their con-
tinuing care for their employees and their families while
away on military duties. Employees send care packages,
letters and much -needed supplies to their co-workers who
are serving around the globe. The Penrose-St Francis
Health Foundation also offers funding assistance to Guard
and Reserve members who are experiencing financial diffi-
culties. Recognition of their employees in the National
Guard and Reserve through articles and newsletters, includ-
ing recognition for current and former Guard an Reserve
nurses who have served.
Infinity Systems Engineering earned recognition for:
Paying differential pay and continuing benefits, including health
care, dental and disability for employees and their families
during absences due to military service. Infinity Systems previ-
ously earned the Above and Beyond and Pro Patria Awards from
Colorado ESGR. Approximately 80 percent of their employ-
ees are Reservists, Guardsmen or prior and retired military,
creating an exceptionally supportive environment for military
service. They are actively involved in support of a variety of
community and military organizations.
Of particular note, Infinity Systems Engineering created an
annual golf tournament for the Wounded Warrior Project,
raising nearly $90,000 for the organization.
Infinity Systems Engineering
Mr. Alan Patterson 2nd Lt. Jesse Diaz, USAFR
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Conversations That Matter - by Kip Cheroutes
When the Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff hands out an award to an employer it must mean the award is pretty important. It also means no global military conflict is going on that requires his presence in the War Room.
Both were the case May 4th when Admiral James A. Winnefeld handed out six carefully judged awards to employers who displayed outstanding support for their guard and reserve employees called to active duty. The awards came from the Colorado Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a volunteer arm of the U.S. Department of Defense Assistant Secretary for Reserve Affairs. I attended as a volunteer director of ESGR.
Congratulations go out to Raytheon, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Penrose-St. Francis Health Services, Colorado Springs Utilities, Ball Aerospace and Infinity Systems Engineering.
Recognition of employers is one ESGR mission. But outside the hotel banquet hall, an RV-sized vehicle representing another ESGR mission caught my eye. This portable employment office struck me as a good approach to combine old and new ways to help returning soldiers find employment.
Inside the vehicle are terminals, printers and work stations. The terminals display new multi-service supported software designed with unique features to match users to jobs. The vehicle travels the country, stopping at scheduled veteran employment expos and job fairs.
MGA is currently conducting a national media relations and social media program for a client, Vaisala, which is bringing road weather technology and tailored messages to over 40 cities in a brand-ed vehicle as part of the company’s national tour. It’s an effective way to create media opportunities, build the public’s awareness and offer hands-on demonstrations to customers. I would call this a strategy using intergenerational tactics. And it works – for Vaisala and for ESGR.
Hero2Hired, unlike other well-intentioned software programs, includes a military skills translator. Enter a military occupation code to see matching civilian jobs added by employers in a given zip code. Also brought up are suggested key words or phrases for a résumé. The program, which is also available as a smartphone app, makes career assessments, explores career paths and facilitates online networking. Online is the preferred way to communicate for these veterans, as most are less than 27 years old. “Members of the Guard and Re-serve are scattered throughout the nation in communities large and small,” explained Sgt. Maj. Wayne Bowser, Sr., Senior Enlisted Advi-
sor for Family and Employer Programs and Policy in the Pentagon’s Office of Reserve Affairs. “The H2H Mobile Job Store allows us to roll-up in their hometowns with the resources and information they need to connect to military-friendly employers.”
ESGR Driver Ted Tomkins agrees. A veteran and native of Birmingham, Ala., Tomkins logs thousands of miles in this job-mobile and meets hundreds of vets, who gather the courage to enter the vehicle and, he says, get “pretty hyped up” when they use the software and the special translator feature. He says his heart goes out to them for trying to find work. You have to try, Tomkins reminds them.
Whether veterans try at a terminal, on the road or face-to-face, civilian America has a duty to help. Find out more at www.H2H.jobs and pass the word.
SGM Bowser (left) demonstrates the
different H2H program tools and
functionalities
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Colorado ESGR Volunteer Conference
Conference Pictures courtesy of ESGR Volunteer Anthony Giambrone.
Ismael Ortiz, Jr.
Deputy Assistant Secretary
Policy
Veterans’ Employment &
Training Services (VETS).
Ronald G. Young Executive Director, National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and
Reserve (ESGR).
He spoke to our volunteers on the vital role they play in completing the mission of ESGR. Other topics of discussion included ESGR’s vital role in employing service members, H2H Jobs website, and the vision for the future.
Colorado ESGR Volunteer Conference
May 5, 2012
Secretary Ortiz talked about the
importance of our leadership in
understanding and guiding
transitioning service members
in translating military skills and
e xp er i en ce t o c i v i l i an
employment opportunities and
success.
Patrick O’Flaherty, Staff member for
Colorado ESGR, was awarded a Seven Seals Award by Ron Young and State Chairman Dick Young for his
exceptional support of the State Committee.
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ARLINGTON, Va. (5/23/12) - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense agency, announced 30 employers as finalists for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award Tuesday.
The Freedom Award is the DOD’s highest recognition given to employers for exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees. A review board comprised of military and civilian leaders selected the 30 employers from the 3,236 nominations received earlier this year from Guard and Reserve service members, or family members acting on their behalf.
“The 2012 Freedom Award finalists demonstrate that outstanding support of Guard and Reserve members is not limited by an employer’s size, industry or region of the nation.” ESGR National Chair James G. Rebholz said. “These 30 finalists span the diversity of America’s workforce and prove every employer can go above and beyond for our Citizen Warriors.”
The finalists for the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award are:
-- Basin Electric Power Cooperative, Bismarck, N.D.; -- Caterpillar Inc., Peoria, Ill.; -- Centerline Mechanical LLC, Cave Creek, Ariz.; -- Citi, New York, N.Y.; -- City of Edina Police Department, Edina, Minn.; -- Cranston Public Schools, Cranston, R.I.; -- Crystal Springs United Methodist Church, Crystal Springs, Miss.; -- Delta Air Lines, Atlanta; -- Don Gorman Electric LLC, Santa Fe, N.M.; -- Gary Jet Center, Gary, Ind.; -- Humana Inc., Louisville, Ky.; -- Intel Corporation, Santa Clara, Calif.; -- Iostudio, Nashville, Tenn.; -- Kadrmas, Lee & Jackson, Bismarck, N.D.; -- Kalamazoo Department of Public Safety, Kalamazoo, Mich.; -- Kent County Levy Court, Dover, Del.; -- L-3 Communications, New York, N.Y.; -- Los Angeles Fire Department, Los Angeles; -- LPI Printing and Graphics Inc., Stoneham, Mass.; -- Nationwide Insurance, Columbus, Ohio; -- Newberry County Sheriff’s Office, Newberry, S.C.; -- Nyemaster Goode, Des Moines, Iowa; -- Port of Seattle, Seattle, Wash.; -- Sandia National Laboratories, Albuquerque, N.M.; -- Siemens Corporation, Washington, D.C.; -- Smith Anderson Blount Dorsett Mitchell & Jernigan LLC, Raleigh, N.C.; -- Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville, Tenn.; -- Town of Camden Police Department, Camden, Maine; -- Uniform Color Company, Holland, Mich.; -- Verizon Wireless, Basking Ridge, N.J.
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JUNE 2012
State ESGR Vice Chair Tom Mills, Brigadier General, CONG (Ret). [email protected]
EMPLOYER OUTREACH AREA CHAIRS
Boulder/Longmont
Vacant
Colorado Springs
Mark Hustedt
Mary Miller
Cortez Area
Robert Valencia [email protected]
Denver Area South
Paula Kauffman
[email protected] Denver Area North
Michael Mitchel
Douglas County Area
Lorin Ricker
Estes Park Area Chair
Gary Brown
Fort Collins
Vacant
Grand Junction
Lou Brackett
Pueblo
Harry Vogel
STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Pat O’Flaherty – Staff Director
[email protected] 720.250.1176
Chandra Hance – Program Support Specialist [email protected]
720.250.1189 FAX: 720.250.1199
COESGR Business Office
12200 East Briarwood Avenue, Suite 160
Centennial, Co 80112
State ESGR Chair Richard E. Young, RADM, USN (Ret)
COLORADO ESGR
DIRECTORS
Military Outreach
Mary Rathje [email protected] Joe Ely [email protected]
Employer Outreach Bev Skinner [email protected]
Dave Pruett - Co-Director [email protected]
Ombudsmen
Bill Belz [email protected] Gary Brown
Training
Lynn Albi [email protected]
Special Programs Kip Cheroutes kcheroutes@ Emgacommunica-tions.com
National Guard Liaison Robert Balster, BrigGen,USA [email protected]
Public Affairs Iris Fontera [email protected]
Kelly Mazezka - Deputy
Employer Initiative Program Dir
ector
Brad Gallup
Click on pictures or links for websites
JUNE 7-10 National ESGR Advanced Ombudsman Training (Denver, Curtis Hotel) 18-19 Virtual Job Fair for Colorado National Guard 22 Family Programs State Conf. 23 Initial Training New ESGR Volunteers JULY AUGUST 2-5 National ESGR Leadership Training, Washington, D.C.
3 Student Veterans Summit, Colorado Springs, CO EO Area Chair Meeting & Directors Meeting 17 ESGR Employer Luncheon, Grand Junction, CO
National Site News and Information Join Facebook and Twitter and be-come a friend of Colorado ESGR
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
James Garrett
Click for Tutorial Video on Using H2H