COESGR Newsletter July/August 2015

July/August 2015

Colorado ESGR Annual Employer Awards Banquet

The Office of the Secretary of Defense and the Colorado Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) hosted its annual awards banquet on 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 Dick Young, who hosted his final Awards Banquet as Chairman, Colorado Committee for the ESGR .

In Colorado, we have some 13,400 of our neighbors, friends, family members, and our fellow workers who serve our country, truly the twice the citizen as praised by Winston Churchill. But they could not serve our country without the ongoing support of their employers throughout the state. In a very real sense,

these employers and their coworkers also serve.

Our notable guest speakers spoke about the importance of employers and their outstanding support of Guard and Reserve members and their families as they commit to serving their country.

Admiral Thad Allen, United States Coast Guard Former Commandant of USCG (Ret.) recognized the Colorado Committee for ESGR for its tremendous efforts via 15,000 volunteer hours in support of Guard and Reserve members and its work with Colorado employers. He also addressed the importance of Guard and Reserve members as valued employees and the need to reduce the unemployment rate.

Bill Lindsay, a Marine who served in Viet Nam, former head of the Denver Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and President of a major group of Lockton Corporation, addressed his succinct but effective comments to the many employers in the banquet hall, pointing out the very important role they play in getting our Guard and Reserve, our veterans back to work and producing, as they did while on active duty, now in the civilian work force. And he knows, when he says “They make excellent employees.”

Program Information…..

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2 Continued next page…….

Activity at the Annual Employer Awards Activity at the Annual Employer Awards

Banquet, June 12, 2015Banquet, June 12, 2015

Invocation: Captain David Nagel, Colorado

Army National Guard

National Anthem:

Staff Sergeant Julianna

Figueroa, Colorado Air

National Guard

U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Color Guard

Combat Logistics Battalion 453

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Employer Awards: 3 Pro Patria

Ball Aerospace

LeaderQuest

18 Judicial District Attorney’s office

9 Above and Beyond

Adams County Communications Center

Colorado Springs School District 11

Direct TV

Mesa County

Pueblo Police Department

T-Mobile USA, Inc.

W.J. Bradley

3 Seven Seals

Air Methods Corporation

Sandra Shreve

Welcome Home Montrose

Most Veteran Friendly Little City in

Colorado - Steamboat Springs

State of Colorado Proclamation

Dick and Lorie Young

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The Ombudsman’s Corner

Both Employers and Guard and Reserve members often ask what documents are needed in order to return to work? For very short periods of service, such as weekend drill, documentation is often not provided or required. However for longer periods of service (more than 30 days) employers can require documentation in order to satisfy re-employment eligibility and for their own internal processes. The documents that will satisfy the requirements of USERRA include the following: Department of Defense 214 Certificate of Release

or Discharge Copy of duty orders prepared by the facility

where the military service was fulfilled Letter from the Commanding Officer or Unit

Leader Discharge Certificate showing character of

service Copy of extracts from payroll documents

showing periods of service

Employers should not hold up reinstatement due to lack of documentation. Occasionally these documents may take a few days to generate upon a

Service members’ discharge.

Employers should contact our National Office at

1-800-336-4590 if they have issues or questions.

Thank you for supporting ESGR!

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Denver Memorial Day Ceremony Honor's America's Fallen

DENVER, CO - On May 23rd

, the 16th annual Colorado's Fallen Heroes memorial took place with

a little over hundred active and former members of the military and their family members came out

to remember those that they lost over the last five major wars and the smaller ones in between.

A wreath laying ceremony was held near the Denver Capital to honor the fallen heroes from

Colorado. The Wreath Remembrance ceremony honored the Colorado fallen from the past six

wars – WWI, WWII, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, the Gulf War and the current War on

Terror. Following the Wreath Remembrance, military officers from each branch presided over the

Reading of the Names of the fallen in the War on Terror with the ringing of the Navy Bell. Along

with the Posting of the Colors by Buckley's All Branch Color Guard, inspirational music was

performed by the singing group Bold Reflections. Several volunteers, COLs Mark Craig and

Darrell Williamson from Colorado ESGR participated in the wreath laying and presentations of

Gold Star pins or banners to immediate families of servicemen and women who lost their lives in

designated military operations.

This was a very mournful and poignant event for all in attendance at the event.

COL Darrell Williamson presenting Gold Star Operations banner to a family member of a fallen hero.

COL Darrell Williamson laying the wreath for heroes of Expeditionary Operations.

https://www.facebook.com/ColoradoFallenHeroesMemorial

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

Patriot Award recipient Jeff Prewett (right), Eli Patriot Award recipient Jeff Prewett (right), Eli

Lilly Co. was nominated for the ESGR Patriot Lilly Co. was nominated for the ESGR Patriot

Award by John Flood and presented by ESGR Award by John Flood and presented by ESGR

volunteer Robert Rotruck. The award volunteer Robert Rotruck. The award

presentation was made at Guaranty Bank & presentation was made at Guaranty Bank &

Trust in Castle Pines. Mr. Prewett also signed a Trust in Castle Pines. Mr. Prewett also signed a

Statement of Support. COL Flood lives in San Statement of Support. COL Flood lives in San

Antonio, TX and was not present. Antonio, TX and was not present.

Colonel John Flood, United States Army Colonel John Flood, United States Army

Reserve wrote in his nomination; Reserve wrote in his nomination; “Jeff Prewett “Jeff Prewett

strongly supports my participation in the US strongly supports my participation in the US

Army Reserves. My Reserve duty frequently Army Reserves. My Reserve duty frequently

conflicts with my civilian responsibilities, but conflicts with my civilian responsibilities, but

my manager allows me to prioritize my Soldier my manager allows me to prioritize my Soldier

commitments above my civilian obligations. commitments above my civilian obligations.

Jeff's support of me and the Army Reserves has Jeff's support of me and the Army Reserves has

allowed me to fulfill mission requirements allowed me to fulfill mission requirements

without having to worry about conflict between without having to worry about conflict between

the two careers. His loyal support is indicative the two careers. His loyal support is indicative

of our company's commitment to Reserve and of our company's commitment to Reserve and

Guard Soldiers. Our company was founded by Guard Soldiers. Our company was founded by

COL Eli Lilly who was a Civil War veteran and COL Eli Lilly who was a Civil War veteran and

part of his legacy is a company that is rich in part of his legacy is a company that is rich in

military heritage and frequently honors and military heritage and frequently honors and

recognizes their military employees. “recognizes their military employees. “

“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic “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 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 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, prestigious Patriot Award are nominated by their Reserve Component employee in which the supervisor,

manager, or owner has demonstrated outstanding support of their employee. manager, or owner has demonstrated outstanding support of their employee. 6

Patriot Award recipient, Marcy Kowalski (left) was Patriot Award recipient, Marcy Kowalski (left) was

nominated for the ESGR Patriot Award by Robert Cortez nominated for the ESGR Patriot Award by Robert Cortez

(who was not present due to being deployed in Africa) at (who was not present due to being deployed in Africa) at

SCL Home Health Care. Jeanne Kerr, ESGR volunteer SCL Home Health Care. Jeanne Kerr, ESGR volunteer

presented and is pictured on the right holding the signed presented and is pictured on the right holding the signed

Statement of Support..Statement of Support..

Petty Officer First Class Robert I . Cortez, United States Petty Officer First Class Robert I . Cortez, United States

Navy Reserve wrote in his nomination; Navy Reserve wrote in his nomination; “As a new “As a new

employee to this company I was involuntarily recalled to employee to this company I was involuntarily recalled to

Active duty with very short notice after about 2 months of Active duty with very short notice after about 2 months of

employment. This employer outwardly supported my employment. This employer outwardly supported my

need to support the military. They have guaranteed my need to support the military. They have guaranteed my

position upon my return and sent care packages. They position upon my return and sent care packages. They

contacted me and my family and offered support in my contacted me and my family and offered support in my

absence and many occasions and continue their support. absence and many occasions and continue their support.

They even organized a surprise going away party for me They even organized a surprise going away party for me

as I left to complete my duty last year. The leaders in this as I left to complete my duty last year. The leaders in this

organizations are true patriots and loyal citizens of this organizations are true patriots and loyal citizens of this

our great country. Marcy Kowalski is the Administrator our great country. Marcy Kowalski is the Administrator

and the driving force for this company along with Casey and the driving force for this company along with Casey

Bogenshutz, Office Manager. “Bogenshutz, Office Manager. “

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Dr. David ClausenDr. David Clausen, New Visions presented New Visions presented

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

volunteer Darrell Williamson. volunteer Darrell Williamson.

Colorado’s Supporting Employers

Jodie A. McKillip, Castle Pines Jodie A. McKillip, Castle Pines

Chamber of Commerce presented Chamber of Commerce presented

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

Rotruck, ESGR volunteerRotruck, ESGR volunteer

Dr. Terry Tedford, Tedford Dental presented with Dr. Terry Tedford, Tedford Dental presented with

a Statement of Support by Darrell Williamson, a Statement of Support by Darrell Williamson,

ESGR volunteer.ESGR volunteer.

Continued next page…….

Statements of Support

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1.1. Pat Malloy, Vice President of Operations for Rooftop Pat Malloy, Vice President of Operations for Rooftop

Solutions presented with a statement of Support by Solutions presented with a statement of Support by

Becky Small, Hero2Hired Employment CoordinatorBecky Small, Hero2Hired Employment Coordinator--

Colorado.Colorado.

2.2. Jayne Friesen, Branch Service Manager, Guaranty Jayne Friesen, Branch Service Manager, Guaranty

Bank and Trust, Castle Rock presented with a Bank and Trust, Castle Rock presented with a

Statement of Support by Robert Rotruck, ESGR Statement of Support by Robert Rotruck, ESGR

volunteervolunteer

3.3. Harlan Walker, Store Manager, King Soopers, Castle Harlan Walker, Store Manager, King Soopers, Castle

Rock presented with a Statement of Support by Rock presented with a Statement of Support by

Robert Rotruck, ESGR volunteerRobert Rotruck, ESGR volunteer

4.4. Lindsey Johnson, Assistant Store Manager, King Lindsey Johnson, Assistant Store Manager, King

Soopers, Castle Pines presented with a Statement Soopers, Castle Pines presented with a Statement

of Support by Robert Rotruck, ESGR volunteerof Support by Robert Rotruck, ESGR volunteer

5.5. Kavin Haynes, Store Manager , King Soopers, Castle Kavin Haynes, Store Manager , King Soopers, Castle

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

Robert Rotruck, ESGR volunteerRobert Rotruck, ESGR volunteer

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3 2

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RECIPIENTS OF SECRETARY OF DEFENSE EMPLOYER SUPPORT FREEDOM AWARD NAMED

15 Exceptional Employers Recognized for Top Honor

WASHINGTON – The Department of Defense announced today the 15 recipients of the 2015 Secretary of

Defense Employer Support Freedom Award, the highest honor the department gives to employers for support of

National Guard and Reserve employees.

“These outstanding employers have not only earned this award, they have earned this nation’s gratitude," said

Defense Secretary Ash Carter. “I am truly honored to recognize these 15 organizations for their unwavering

support of our military men and women and their families. Their accomplishments are a vital piece of our

national defense and a high standard toward which all employers of Guard and Reserve members should strive.”

The 2015 Freedom Award recipients below will be honored at a ceremony in the Pentagon Aug. 21:

The 2015 recipients were selected from 2,960 nominations received from guardsmen and reservists for going far

beyond what the federal law requires to support their military employees. The Freedom Award was instituted in

1996 under the auspices of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to recognize exceptional support

from the employer community. In the years since, 205 employers have been honored with the award.

For more information about the Freedom Award and this year’s recipients, visit www.FreedomAward.mil. To

learn more about ESGR, visit www.ESGR.mil.

For questions or interviews regarding the Freedom Award, contact ESGR Public Affairs,

at [email protected] or by phone at (571)372-0692.

CONTACT: S.J. Brown (571) 372-0692; [email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

June 25, 2015

Freedom Award Photos Here...

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: S.J. Brown

August 17, 2015 (571) 372-0692; [email protected]

President Declares Aug.16-22 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week 15 Employers to Receive Secretary of Defense Award During Proclamation Week

WASHINGTON –­­­­­­­­­­­­­­President Barack Obama signed a proclamation declaring Aug.16– 22 National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. The week will include a series of activities that culminate with the 20th annual Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., Friday. “As a Nation, let us join together to thank our Guardsmen and Reservists, as well as their employers -- who know the value service brings to the workplace, who see service members as an essential part of their teams, and whose support is vital to the readiness and strength of the greatest fighting force on Earth,” declared the President. Underscoring the notion that we can all support those who serve, in his proclamation the President stated, “Around our country, communities and business leaders have recognized that they too can help America meet its obligations to the women and men of the Guard and Reserve by providing workplace flexibility and opportunities for advancement in their civilian careers. As Commander in Chief, I am grateful to our employers and business leaders who go above and beyond to ease the burden on those who serve, and I encourage all Americans to join in their efforts.” Friday’s ceremony will formally recognize 15 employers that have been named recipients of the 2015Freedom Award. The master of ceremonies will be Leon Harris, Emmy Award-winning news anchor for WJLA Channel 7. Country music artist Mark Wills, a dedicated supporter of our nation’s military, will perform at the ceremony. The ceremony will be available for live stream, Friday at 1:30p.m.: https://www.dvidshub.net/webcast/6798 .

Presidential Proclamation:

https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2015/08/14/presidential-proclamation-national-employer-support

-guard-and-reserve

The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 under the auspices of ESGR and is the Department of Defense’s highest honor for employer support of National Guard and Reserve employees. To learn more about this year’s Freedom Award recipients, visit: http://www.freedomaward.mil/ .

Click on pictures or links for websites

STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Brent Hamilton - Program Support Technician

720-250-1176 [email protected]

Chandra Hance – AST-Administrative Support Technician 720.250.1189 [email protected]

Becky Small - Employment Coordinator

720-250-1188 [email protected]

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

2015 Events Calendar

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7 Sep………. Labor Day

11-13 Sep…. Employer Outreach Directorate Retreat,

Frisco, CO

14-16 Sep…. New State Chair Training,

Alexandria, VA

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]

Navy Centennial Picnic The Navy Reserve celebrated its 100th birthday at

Iron Horse Park on Fort Carson. Several key

dignitaries were in attendance, RADM Kerry Metz,

Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers,

Congressman Doug Lamborn and State Senator

Bernie Herpin. One of the main topics was the

future commissioning of the USS Colorado, a

Virginia class submarine. Darrel Williamson

provided a brief introduction on ESGR and H2H at

the very beginning of the speakers and presented

Patriot awards to Mark Cravens from Wyle CAS

with LCDR Chastain and to Rebecca Jones and

Alisha Arnold from Security Service Federal Credit

Union with Petty Officer Donald Niko. Pam Kramer

set up a table meeting with the sailors to talk

about ESGR and provide giveaways.

ESGR Representative Darrel Williamson presenting Wyle CAS employee, Mark Cravens, a Patriot Award with LCDR Chastain.