ESGR Hosts Breakfast with the Boss in Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON, ILL. (05/10/2013)(readMedia)-- Local employers and Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce businesses gathered at the Mount Vernon Readiness Center May 9 for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Breakfast with the Boss event.

During the breakfast, attendees listened to presentations by ESGR representatives as well as the battalion and company commanders from the two Illinois Army National Guard units that drill in that armory: Company D, 2nd Battalion, 130th Infantry Regiment and Company F, 634th Brigade Support Battalion.

All the commanders thanked the community members for their support and encouraged employers to communicate with commanders on issues or concerns about training or additional requirements expected of their Soldiers.

"If you have one take-away from today, it should be a phone number," said Lt. Col. Charles Kitson of Springfield, 634th Brigade Support Battalion commander. "You can call us at any time."

Along with breakfast and presentations, military equipment was also on display for attendees to explore.

Jay Lewis of Mount Vernon, a retired educator, said he was impressed with the program and enjoyed learning about the capabilities of the local units.

"I think the Guard-employer relationship is unique as they both have the well-being of the Soldier in mind," he said. "I think it's good leaders recognize employers may see something in the Soldier they may not."

Breakfast with the Boss occurs three to four times a year at different Illinois armories.