May 2015

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One of the key things that COLORADO ESGR can d o i s to recognize not only supportive employers but also the smaller cities of Colorado who provide support to programs that provide valuable resources to our veterans as well as Guard and Reserve members. This month we are recognizing the City of Steamboat Springs a s t h e s e c o n d r e c i p i e n t o f t h e M o s t V e t e r a n F r i e n d l y L i t t l e C i t y I n C o l o r a d o A w a r d .

On May 5, 2015, The City Council of Steamboat Springs signed a proclamation recognizing the Town as Colorado ESGR's Most Veteran Friendly Little City in Colorado for 2015. Following the signing of the proclamation, Jim Stanko presented a certificate and a plaque to the President of the Council, as well as conducting a Statement of Support signing. The town really turned out for this with over 25 veterans (many of whom are American Legion members), a WWII veteran of the 10th Mountain Division, a WWII Marine, and a veteran of our most recent conflicts now active with Steamboat Adaptive Recreational Sports (STARS), as well as at least another 25 community members. Following those presentations, Jim Stanko was surprised with a Colorado ESGR Outstanding Volunteer Award for which he received a standing ovation from the assembled crowd. As the Council went on to other business, they invited all interested to step into the foyer where the City Manager, Ms. Deb Hinsvark, had arranged for a 'Congratulations Jim' cake to be shared with all there. All in all it was a remarkable event.

Jim Stanko, Employer Outreach Area Chair, Steamboat Springs, presenting the awards to City Council President, Mr. Bart Kounovsky

Some of the Veterans present for the event

David Pruett, Co-Director of Employer Outreach for Colorado ESGR presents CO ESGR Outstanding Volunteer Award to Jim Stanko

photos are courtesy of Craig Kennedy

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http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2015/apr/24/steamboat-recognized-being-veteran-friendly/

http://www.steamboattoday.com/news/2015/may/07/city-celebrates-being-named-most-veterans-friendly/

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(from left to right as in photo) Bryant Kelley (nominator), Jeffrey Wright, A&W Water Service.

Colorado ESGR Annual Awards Banquet to be held June 12th

The Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Colorado Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is hosting its annual awards banquet June 12th at the Hyatt Regency Tech Center, 7800 E. Tufts Ave, Denver,

Colorado, 80237.

“It means a lot to us to recognize and honor those employers who support our members of the National Guard and Reserve,” said Chairman

Dick Young, Colorado Committee for the ESGR.

The Friday evening Awards Banquet will begin at 5 p.m. with a no-host reception; the formal program and dinner at 6:30 p.m. During the banquet we will award Colorado’s top employers, with the prestigious Pro Patria award and the Above and Beyond Award. As many of you know, the Pro Patria Award is the highest level award the state committee can bestow.

Dress for the Banquet is cocktail/semi-formal (business attire).

This is our annual event to highlight the accomplishments of the state’s top military-friendly employers, as nominated by their military employees and pay tribute to those “serving our nation in the National Guard and Reserve, and to the employers whose continued support enables our National Guard and Reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen, marines and coast guardsmen to defend our country with honor and distinction.”

This will be the last Banquet and All Volunteer Conference that I will attend as your State ESGR Chair. Your participation and involvement has meant much to me over these six years. So let me publicly thank all of you for what you have done (and are doing) for ESGR.

“The “Pro Patria” Award is presented

annually by each ESGR committee to those

employers that have provided the most

exceptional support,” said Brent Hamilton,

Support Technician of the Colorado

Committee. “These employers show their

support of our national defense through

leadership practices and personnel policies

that support their employees who serve in

the military.”

“The “Above and Beyond” Award is given

in limited numbers by state and territory

ESGR committees,” said Young. “It

recognizes employers at the state and local

level who have gone above and beyond the

legal requirements for granting leave and

providing support for military duty by

their employees.”

My Best,

Richard E. Young

Rear Admiral, USN (Ret)

Colorado State ESGR Chair

Continued next page…….

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The Ombudsman’s Corner – May 2015 Welcome to the Ombudsman’s Corner – a monthly addition to the newsletter that highlights your Colorado Ombudsmen.

A question that frequently arises is, “What counts as service in the uniformed services under USERRA?” Reemployment rights extend to persons who have been absent from a position of employment due to voluntary or involuntary uniformed service, including: Active duty and active duty for training Initial active duty for training Inactive duty for training Full-time National Guard duty Fitness for duty examinations Funeral honors performed by guard and reserve members Duty performed by intermittent employees for the National Disaster Medical System.

Almost all of the guard and reserve members that you deal with will be have protection under USERRA (38 U.S.C. Section 4303, 13 & 16).

Thank you for supporting ESGR!

Admiral Thad W. Allen, USCG (Ret.)

William N. Lindsay, CLU, CEBS, RPA

The keynote speaker is retired Admiral Thad Allen, former United States Coast Guard admiral who served as the 23rd Commandant of the Coast Guard. Allen is best known for his widely praised performance directing the federal response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in the Gulf Coast region from September 2005 to January 2006, and for his 2010 work as National Incident Commander of the Unified Command for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Our second guest speaker is Bill Lindsay, President of one of the key components of Lockton Corp. He has served as President of the Denver Metro Chamber, served in the Marine Corps in Viet Nam, is one of our Senior Advisory Council members and has been a great help to ESGR.

Congratulations from the April edition of the ESGR Newsletter: The ESGR Insider

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A new website was launched a few months ago called the Colorado Military Events at A new website was launched a few months ago called the Colorado Military Events at

http://www.coloradomilitaryevents.com/http://www.coloradomilitaryevents.com/. It is not an ESGR site, but it is a resource that several . It is not an ESGR site, but it is a resource that several

groups and individuals have put together (all donated time and effort) and is available to all. If groups and individuals have put together (all donated time and effort) and is available to all. If

you have not viewed or used the website, now is the time to check it out!you have not viewed or used the website, now is the time to check it out!

For the past number of years, a group of mainly Navy Reserve retired Veterans, organized under the name of “The Rocky Mountain Navy Association,” have carried out activities to help our Military Veterans. This web site, available for all to see, has long been needed so that those organizations that are planning on putting on a hiring event for our Military members, whether Active Duty, Guard and Reserve, Veterans and /or Spouses, can go to one site and check on other planned events that may overlap or be too close in time, which could cause confusion or lack of attendance.

Volunteers manage the site, verify and check event submissions to make sure they are valid events with no cost to our Military to attend, and that the event is not being done to simply develop publicity or to market a product to our Military members.

The monthly carrying costs for the site are paid by individual members of a local group, the Rocky Mountain Navy Association.

The show, The Lincoln Awards: A Concert for Veterans & the Military Family will premiere

on PBS on Friday (May 22) at 9pm EST and will be streamed after Friday at http://www.pbs.org/program/lincoln-awards/

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From left to right is flight nurse David Steiner, Duane Rorie, flight paramedic Kris Schott and retired Navy Cmdr. Brian Hand of the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserves

https://www.uchealth.org/news/air-link-chief-nurse-honored-with-patriot-award#utm_sguid=154151,41df7553-2dc9-c2a5-cd7e-f5b0ea28d0c7

“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who, like the citizen warriors before them, have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Richard E. Young, Colorado ESGR state chair. The following recipients of the prestigious Patriot Award are nominated by their Reserve Component employee in which the supervisor, manager, or owner has demonstrated outstanding support of their employee.

LOVELAND – Retired Navy Cmdr. Brian Hand presented a Patriot Award to Duane Rorie, the chief

flight nurse for Air Link at Medical Center of the Rockies, recently on the Loveland hospital’s helipad.

Rorie was recognized for his continuous support of the service of his crew members on behalf of

Petty Officer First Class Kris Schott, currently assigned to Quebec Battery, 5th Battalion, 14th

Marines, and Capt. Dave Steiner, recently separated from 187th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron

of the Wyoming Air National Guard.

Rorie has worked tirelessly to ensure they have had the necessary time off and shifts covered for

both monthly service commitments, annual training requirements and an extended overseas deploy-

ment to the Middle East in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Because Air Link’s flight team is small, it can be a hardship when one member is deployed or

training, Schott said. Rorie, a resident of Loveland, covers shifts left vacant by when a member of

his team is fulfilling their military service commitments so Air Link can provide uninterrupted

emergency air medical transport to the residents of northern Colorado.

“It’s nice to know that Duane has our backs and will personally work for us if necessary,

giving up time with his own family, so we can do our military jobs without having to worry if

the helicopter will be adequately staffed during our absence, Schott said. “He is the

backbone of our flight team, and I’m proud to have someone who values his servicemen and

women and will bend over backwards to support them.”

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Paula Golden with Patriot Award and Sgt Bret Martin,

award nominator

Fire Chief Karl Bauer was nominated by employee, Fire Chief Karl Bauer was nominated by employee,

Corporal Aaron Kerst, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for his Corporal Aaron Kerst, U.S. Marine Corps Reserve for his

outstanding support of Guard and Reserve employees. outstanding support of Guard and Reserve employees.

Award was presented by ESGR volunteer, Lou Brackett.Award was presented by ESGR volunteer, Lou Brackett.

Andrew Davies, right, Manager at Trustwave was Andrew Davies, right, Manager at Trustwave was

nominated for being highly supportive of the Army nominated for being highly supportive of the Army

National Guard by his Reserve Component employee, National Guard by his Reserve Component employee,

Sergeant First class Joel P. Nelson. The award was Sergeant First class Joel P. Nelson. The award was

presented by ESGR volunteer, Adam Smithpresented by ESGR volunteer, Adam Smith

Steve Kreps, right, Vice President of The Harloff Steve Kreps, right, Vice President of The Harloff

Company was nominated for being highly Company was nominated for being highly

supportive of the Army National Guard by his supportive of the Army National Guard by his

Reserve Component employee, Petty Officer Reserve Component employee, Petty Officer

Katrin A. Bibby, U.S. Naval Reserve. Shirley Katrin A. Bibby, U.S. Naval Reserve. Shirley

Martinez (ESGR), Steve Kreps, Katrin Bibby, Martinez (ESGR), Steve Kreps, Katrin Bibby,

Lieutenant Commander Colin J. O'Neil, Lieutenant Commander Colin J. O'Neil,

Commanding Officer, Naval Operations Support Commanding Officer, Naval Operations Support

Center, Ft CarsonCenter, Ft Carson.

Patriot Award recipients, Tabitha Knapp and Patrick Russell Patriot Award recipients, Tabitha Knapp and Patrick Russell

are pictured holding their awards with their fellow employees are pictured holding their awards with their fellow employees

at KeyPoint Government Solutions. Ms Knapp and Mr. at KeyPoint Government Solutions. Ms Knapp and Mr.

Russell were presented with the award for being highly Russell were presented with the award for being highly

supportive of the National Guard and Reserve by their supportive of the National Guard and Reserve by their

Reserve Component employee, Chief Petty Officer Myrna Reserve Component employee, Chief Petty Officer Myrna

Sadalge, U.S. Naval Reserve who nominated each of them. Sadalge, U.S. Naval Reserve who nominated each of them.

The awards were presented by ESGR volunteer Jon ClarkeThe awards were presented by ESGR volunteer Jon Clarke.

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Nadim Sabbagh, Operations Mgr., Direct TV, Pueblo Nadim Sabbagh, Operations Mgr., Direct TV, Pueblo

West, presented with a Statement of Support by West, presented with a Statement of Support by

ESGR volunteer Harry Vogel.ESGR volunteer Harry Vogel.

Colorado’s Supporting Employers

Sue Brown, CEO, Home Care of the Grand Valley, Sue Brown, CEO, Home Care of the Grand Valley,

Grand Junction, presented with a Statement of Grand Junction, presented with a Statement of

Support by ESGR volunteer Don Schneider with Support by ESGR volunteer Don Schneider with

Veronica Younts, HR Manager, and ESGR Volunteer Veronica Younts, HR Manager, and ESGR Volunteer

Lou Brackett.Lou Brackett.

Shelly McPherson, owner, Shelly McPherson, owner,

American Rags Inc., Pueblo West American Rags Inc., Pueblo West

presented with a Statement of presented with a Statement of

Support by Harry Vogel, ESGR Support by Harry Vogel, ESGR

volunteer volunteer

Harley Gifford, General Counsel, Harley Gifford, General Counsel,

Pueblo West Metro Board presented Pueblo West Metro Board presented

with a Statement of Support by with a Statement of Support by

Harry Vogel, ESGR volunteer Harry Vogel, ESGR volunteer

L to R: Matt Moritz, Brad Bettale, Bev Skinner, Becky Small, Jodi Cohen, L to R: Matt Moritz, Brad Bettale, Bev Skinner, Becky Small, Jodi Cohen,

Ray Esslinger, Jacob KazaRay Esslinger, Jacob Kaza. City of Westminster presented with a City of Westminster presented with a

Statements of Support by ESGR volunteers Bev Skinner and Becky Statements of Support by ESGR volunteers Bev Skinner and Becky

Small.Small.

E.L Crowe, owner, Great Western E.L Crowe, owner, Great Western

Storage, Pueblo West presented Storage, Pueblo West presented

with a Statement of Support by with a Statement of Support by

Harry Vogel, ESGR volunteer Harry Vogel, ESGR volunteer

Click on pictures or links for websites

STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Brent Hamilton - Program Support Technician

720-250-1176 brent.l.hamilton2.ctr@mail.mil

Chandra Hance – AST-Administrative Support Technician 720.250.1189 chandra.l.hance.ctr@mail.mil

Becky Small - Employment Coordinator

720-250-1188 rebecca.s.small.ctr@mail.mil

https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/jobs

COESGR Business Office

12200 East Briarwood Avenue, Suite 160

Centennial, Co 80112 FAX: 720.250.1199

State ESGR Vice Chair Tom Mills, Brigadier General,

CONG (Ret).

EMPLOYER OUTREACH

AREA CHAIRS

Alamosa Dan Powell

Boulder Tonia Martinez

Colorado Springs Mark Lilevjen Bob Landry

Cortez Area Robert Valencia

Denver Area Bruce Erek Rick White

Douglas County Area

Bob Rotruck Dick Wilson

Estes Park Area Chair Open

Fort Lyon/Tri County Leanne Wheeler

Larimer/Weld County Jeanie & Brian Hand

Longmont vacant

Grand Junction Lou Brackett Bret Mixon

Montrose Emily Smith

Pueblo Harry Vogel

Jon Brude

Steamboat Springs Jim Stanko

State ESGR Chair Richard E. Young, RADM, USN (Ret)

COLORADO ESGR DIRECTORS

Military Outreach Darrell Williamson - Director

Employer Outreach Bev Skinner - Co-director

Dave Pruett - Co-director

EO Coordinators, Major

Corporations-

Mark Lilevjen

Brian Bartony

Ombudsmen

Bill Belz - Director

Martin Cobb - Co- Director

Aaron Lechner - Dep. Dir.

Lara Makinen - Coordinator

Training Lynn Albi

Paula Kauffman - Dep. Dir.

Special Programs

Kip Cheroutes - Director

National Guard Liaison Liz Kelpis

Public Affairs

Brian Moore - Director Sandy Tiegen - Dep. Dir.

James Garrett - Newsletter Editor

Employer Initiatives Robby Castle - Director

Paul Dunbar - Deputy

Mentors Coordinator - Zach Jacobsen

Job Fairs Coordinator - Chase Dinkler

MVEE Coordinators - Jason Shireman

Elaine Edon

Bosslift Coordinator - Brian Bartony

National Site News and Information Join Facebook and Twitter

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2015 Events Calendar

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12-13 June ... ESGR Employer Awards Banquet and Volunteer Training

19 July ……. Briefing with Bosses at the NOSC Buckley

24-26 July…. National Volunteer Leadership Training,

Arlington VA

31 July …….. 302nd Air Wing Boss Lift

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 ESGRcolorado@yahoo.com