Mayor Gray Proclaims DC National Guard and Reserve Week

WASHINGTON, DC (06/19/2012)(readMedia)-- District of Columbia Mayor Vincent Gray has proclaimed the week of June 17th through the 23rd, "D.C. National Guard and Reserve Week".

This resolution marks the 40th anniversary of the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program. Without support from civilian employers, who share their employees with the District and Nation in time of need - and preserve their civilian jobs when they return home, serving in the Guard and Reserve forces would be difficult, if not impossible, for the citizen soldiers who make up the District's Guard and Reserve forces. It's important to recognize the vital role employers play in enabling district soldiers and airmen to serve.

"Members of the National Guard are Citizen Warriors who lead dual lives as workers, managers, professionals and students throughout the community, and as members of our nation's armed forces," Gray said. "They train and maintain their skills so they can answer the call to serve at home and abroad."

The resolution calls upon residents to join Mayor Gray in thanking the members of our National Guard and Reserve for outstanding service.

The men and women of the DC National Guard serve the District around the clock 365 days a year. They continually guard the skies over the capital, while providing critical support during major district events, such as the Presidential Inauguration, or during emergencies, such as "Snowmageddon".

DC Guard members have also deployed around the globe in support of national defense operations, including Afghanistan and Iraq. There have been few days since 9/11 without some DC Guardsmen deployed overseas to serve our country.

Another way the DC National Guard supports the community is through a commitment to supporting the District's youth. DC National Guard runs a number of youth programs such as Youth ChalleNGe, About Face and Youth Leaders Camp that help local at-risk youth complete their education and build positive futures for themselves.

"One of my proudest accomplishments as Commander of the DC National Guard is the work we have done with at-risk youth here in the District," said Maj. Gen. Errol R. Schwartz. "Seeing young men and women turn their lives around has been richly rewarding for myself and our organization, as well as for the young men and women who have graduated from our programs, and their families."

Events for the week include a demonstration of DC National Guard equipment at the following locations:

North Michigan Park Recreation Center

1333 Emerson St. NE

June 19th, 9:30 to noon

Trinidad Recreation Center

1310 Childress St. NE

June 19th, 1 to 4 pm

King Greenleaf Recreation Center

201 N St. SW

June 20th, 9:30 to noon

Sherwood Recreation Center

640 10th St. NE

June 20th, 1 to 4 pm

Hillcrest Recreation Center

3100 Denver St SE

Jun 21st, 9:30 to noon

Banneker Community Center

2500 Georgia Ave. NW

Jun 21st, 1 to 4 pm

Updates will list more events for the week as they are confirmed.

For more information regarding events or to schedule an interview contact 2LT Derek Ortiz, Marketing Officer, District of Columbia Army National Guard, 202-536-9813