2014 National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week

September 21-27 marks National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week – a week that highlights the importance of employers and businesses that support members of the National Guard and Reserve components across all military branches.

President Obama’s 2014 proclamation to commemorate the week not only commends these employers, but also makes clear that “everyone can do something” to help Guard and Reserve members and their families:

Our country is grateful to all our Guardsmen and Reservists and the employers who stand behind them and their families.  By providing workplace flexibility and helping the advancement of their civilian careers, employers ease the burden on those who serve and their loved ones.  And we appreciate all our country's businesses that go above and beyond in small and large ways to recognize our patriots.  We know that when it comes to supporting our Nation's heroes, everybody can do something -- every business, every school, and every American.

Employers and supporters have vowed to enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, provide leadership and resources to Guard and Reserve employees, and to provide and extend unconditional support to both service members and their families during peacetime and war.

We applaud all who support our Guard, Reserve, and their families in communities all across America.

Colonel Steve Parker, U.S. Army, is the Executive Director of Joining Forces.