Horace Mann renews support to National Guard and Reserve

Horace Mann President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter H. Heckman, will sign an ESGR Statement of Support (SoS) for the National Guard and Reserve

Horace Mann President and Chief Executive Officer, Peter H. Heckman, will sign an ESGR Statement of Support (SoS) for the National Guard and Reserve to demonstrate the Springfield-based company’s ongoing support to its military service members, as well as to the men and women of the Guard and Reserve in general.

The intent of the ESGR SoS program is to give employers an opportunity to publicly express their support for service in the Reserve Components.

In signing an ESGR Statement of Support employers and organizations pledge to:

- To fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).

- To ensure managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

- To recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

In addition to the SoS signing by Horace Mann CEO, Peter Heckman, Illinois ESGR will present the ESGR Patriot Award to Horace Mann staff members Paul Andrews and Jann Braun in recognition of the support they have provided to Guard and Reserve service members who work for them.

WHY: The Guard and Reserve make up nearly 50 percent of the U.S. military and the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve cannot be successful in carrying out their important duties and responsibilities without the continued support of employers who recognize the key role of the Reserve Components in the defense of our nation. Horace Mann previously signed a SoS in 2010; however, with ESGR’s new focus on helping Guard and Reserve members find employment, it is encouraging all employers to renew their support for our Citizen Warriors.

NOTE: Members of the press interested in covering the Statement of Support signing should plan on arriving no later than (NLT) 15 minutes prior to the ceremony start time.