Diageo USVI will sign a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve on Wednesday, Feb. 27. The signing ceremony will occur at the Diageo Rum Distillery located at 1 Estate Annaberg and Shannon Grove, St. Croix, according to a press release issued Tuesday by Beresford Edwards, chairman of the Virgin Islands Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency.
The Statement of Support confirms Diageo USVI joins other employers in pledging that:
• We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those 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’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all (state) employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of guard and reserve employees,” said Edwards.
When asked about the criteria, Edwards said, “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, Diageo USVI pledges to stand proudly with its guard and reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation”.
“Diageo USVI joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” said Edwards. “By signing the Statement of Support, Diageo USVI is sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging employment of guardsmen and reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs, or ESGR volunteer opportunities, call 800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
For more information locally, contact ESGR Chair Beresford Edwards at 277-9396.
