Illinois Reserve Components Recognize Local Corporation for Support

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Ed Curtis (left), president and chief executive officer of Memorial Health System, signs an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support for the Guard.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (03/24/2011)(readMedia)-- Memorial Medical Center and Hospital publicly recognized the important role of the National Guard and Reserve on March 24, when President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Health System Ed Curtis signed an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve. The signing ceremony at Memorial Hospital in Springfield was attended by representatives from business, education and the military.

"Memorial Medical Center is a large employer in Springfield and we are excited to be here today,'" said retired Brig. Gen. Jay Sheedy of Pawnee, Illinois ESGR Central West Area Chair. "Health care is very important and they employ a lot of servicemembers throughout all branches of the military. As Ed said, these people are part of our values."

Signing a Statement of Support shows that the council:

• Recognizes the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act.

• Will work to ensure managers and supervisors have the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

• Recognizes and supports our military servicemembers and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency. Its mission is to gain and maintain the support of employers for service in the reserve components by increasing awareness of the law, recognizing outstanding support and helping to resolve conflicts through informal mediation. Thousands of ESGR volunteers nationwide provide free education, consultation and, if needed, neutral mediation for employers of Guardsmen and Reservists.

For more information about the Statement of Support program or ESGR, please contact Lt. Col. Tim Franklin at tim.franklin@us.army.mil or 217-761-3642.