RECYCLE YOUR OLD USED CELL PHONE AND HELP US "WELCOME HOME" NATIONAL GUARD AND RESERVE WHO HAVE SERVED TO DEFEND OUR FREEDOMS

Facts and Figures About Your National Guard and Reserve:

Q: Why support Employers United for a Stronger America (EUSA), and its efforts to assist ESGR's activities to recognize and thank our Guard & Reserve troops? FACT: TODAY NEARLY HALF OF OUR FIGHTING FORCES ARE THE 1.2 MILLION GUARD AND RESERVE THAT CAN BE INVOLUTARILY MOBILIZED OR DEPLOYED TO FEDERAL ACTIVE DUTY. Since the end of the Cold War, there has been a shift in the way our Guard and Reserve forces have been used. Previously, Guard and Reserve were viewed primarily as an expansion force that would supplement active forces during a major war. Today, Guard and Reserve not only supplement but also replace active forces in military operations worldwide. ESGR* plays an important role in support of these Guard and Reserve forces.

FACT: MORE THAN 200,000 GUARD & RESERVE HAVE BEEN CALLED UP FOR OUR CURRENT WAR IN IRAQ.

Not only must these men and women face wartime duty, they also must leave their careers on hiatus and fret over their family finances. ESGR'S efforts to maintain employers continued support for Guard & Reservist employees is critical to our national defense in these times of longer and more frequent deployments in the war against terrorism.

FACT: 41% OF GUARD & RESERVISTS EXPERIENCE INCOME LOSS WHEN CALLED UP** AND THEIR HEALTH CARE BENEFITS MAY BE AFFECTED.

While Guard & Reserve pensions are legally protected, beyond that much is up to the employer. Although paid by the military, they often receive far less than they were earning in civilian life, and they may lose important employer provided benefits. ESGR outreach efforts are focused on Guard & Reserve personal incomes, their health and family benefits, and employer support for their service.

FACT: 31% OF EMPLOYERS ARE NOT AWARE OF LAWS PROTECTING OUR GUARD & RESERVE.**

With the increased use of Guard & Reserves to support the nation's military operations, ESGR activities seek to educate Guard & Reserves and their employers concerning their rights and responsibilities and mediate any disputes that may arise between them.

FACT: EMPLOYERS UNITED FOR A STRONGER AMERICA IS FULLY COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING ESGR'S OUTREACH ACTIVITES AND PROGRAMS FOR OUR COUNTRY'S GUARD AND RESERVE FORCES.

Thanking our Guard and Reserve troops is an activity that serves to recognize the value of our active duty Guard & Reserves' service to the nation, and highlight the importance of support from America's employers.

You can help by recycling your old cell phone today. For more information, contact ScottHiggins@veteransadvantage.com or go to Welcome Home!

*ESGR (Employer Support of the Guard & Reserve) is a 31 year old Department of Defense agency.
**U.S. General Accounting Office March 2003 study.

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