Scheels Demonstrates Support for Guard, Reserve

Statement of Support Signing Recognizes Importance of Guard, Reserve Role in Nation's Defense

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Illinois ESGR Central West Area Chair, Stan Zielinski, look on as Tyler Halm, Springfield Scheels Assistant Store Leader, signs a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve Nov. 11.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (11/17/2011)(readMedia)-- Scheels took the opportunity, to sign a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve at its south Springfield store on Veterans Day, Nov. 11, joining the thousands of employers and businesses across Illinois and the country that have publicly acknowledged and support the continuing contributions of Guardsmen and Reservists to the defense of our nation.

"I would like to thank Scheels for recognizing the important role of the National Guard and Reserve by signing this Statement of Support on behalf of the men and women who voluntarily serve and sacrifice for Illinois and our nation," said Stan Zielinski, Central West Area Chair for Illinois Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. "With the continuing demands placed on Guardsmen and Reservists, supportive businesses, like Scheels, are crucial to maintaining the strength and readiness National Guard and Reserve."

The National Guard and Reserve makes up nearly half of the entire military force of the United States. Because of this, the men and women of the Guard and Reserve play a key role in our national defense here at home and around the world. The men and women of the National Guard and Reserve cannot successfully accomplish their mission without the continued support of employers who recognize the importance of the Reserve Components in the defense of our nation.

The ESGR Statement of Support program offers a way for employers to show their support for service in the National Guard and Reserve. In signing a Statement of Support employers and organizations pledge to:

• Fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act or USERRA.

• Appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.

• Recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, crises and war.

Headquartered in North Dakota, Scheels is an employee-owned, privately held business. In addition to its store in Springfield, Ill., the sports and outdoor recreation company has stores in North Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, South Dakota, Montana, Wisconsin, Nebraska and Nevada.

photo 1) Illinois ESGR Central West Area Chair, Stan Zielinski, look on as Tyler Halm, Springfield Scheels Assistant Store Leader, signs a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve on Veterans Day, Nov. 11.

photo 2) Tyler Halm, Assistant Store Leader, holds the Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve that he signed for the Springfield sports and outdoor recreation store on Veterans Day, Nov. 11. Attending the SOS signing event were (from left) Stan Zielinski, Illinois ESGR Central West Area Chair; Amy Beadle, Event Coordinator, Jesse Brock, Assistant Store Leader; Dr. Michael Ayers, Ph.D., Illinois ESGR State Chair; Bennett Krause, Illinois ESGR Employment Initiative Program Director; and, retired Brig. Gen. John Sheedy, Illinois ESGR Employer Outreach Director.