An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

433rd honorary commander facilitates ESGR letter of support

  • Published
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND --  The leadership of Enterprise Holdings, Inc. and the Texas Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve recently reaffirmed the company's commitment to support Citizen Warriors at its San Antonio regional office.

Col. William Whittenberger, Jr., 433rd Airlift Wing commander, joined the Sept. 17 ceremony as well as Capt. Steve Brown, Naval Operations Support Center-San Antonio commander, to bring a military presence to the event.

The event started with an introduction of all attendees and then a briefing by Jeffrey Downing, Group Human Resources Manager and an ESGR volunteer. He explained the role of the ESGR and the history of company's support of its member's decision to serve in the Guard or Reserve.

"Enterprise Holdings is trying to build upon an already successful culture that supports the women and men of the Guard and Reserve," said Downing, who is also a 433rd AW Honorary Commander.  "We want to make it even stronger."

Enterprise was awarded the Patriot Award in 2005. The Patriot Award is the highest honor under the ESGR program to highlight an employer's extraordinary support of their employees' service in the Reserves or National Guard. For example, Enterprise pays salary differential for its military members deployed to active duty.  This major benefit is provided by the company to offset the loss of wages experienced by employees serving on active duty. 

The event concluded with a signing of a Statement of Support to reinforce the company's commitment support of its employees that serve in the National Guard or Reserves.
The agreement signing reiterated the importance of a strong relationship needed between employers and Guard and Reserve.The intent of the program is to increase employer support by encouraging employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military. Supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's Guard and Reserve units. 

Employers signing a statement of support pledge that will fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), 
provide managers and supervisors with the tools needed to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve, appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to employ Guardsmen, Reservists, and Veterans. In addition, they will continually recognize and support Service members and their families in peace, in crisis, and in war.

The event was praised by the new airlift wing commander.

"I am excited to experience the renewed commitment by leadership of this employer to support the military," said Whittenberger, who took over the wing in July. "It is vital for employers and units to build strong relationships to assist members when the time comes to serve the nation abroad. Reserve Airmen divide their time between their family, employer and reserve duty. Employers' support is vital in assisting Citizen Airmen with having a balance in their lives."

For more information on the ESGR Statement of Support Program or nomination of an employer for an award click here.