“This is the right and proper thing to do,” said retired U.S. Army Maj Gen. Benny Paulino, who is the committee’s chair. “It is great news! It’s what we always wanted and what should have been done a long time ago. This action recognizes the relevance of the Volunteers as well as the service members in the CNMI.”
Blas said Since Sept. 11, 2001, more than 600,000 National Guard and Reserve men and women across the United States have left their families and employers to serve on active duty in the Global War on Terrorism.
She said on Guam and in the CNMI, there are more than 2,700 members in the Guard and Reserve, and many are currently deployed away from their loved ones and places of business.
“These deployed Guard and Reserve members serve, work, and live in our community. The outpouring of support from the home front has been overwhelming. None of this could have been possible without the continued support from employers of the brave men and women who serve this great Nation, and our Islands,” Blas added.
ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972.
The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation.
For more information, call 671-735-0456.
