November found the Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve convening at the Massachusetts National Guard Joint Forces Headquarters in Milford MA for a day of training. Classes included special guest speakers, general updating for all members and splitting into groups for specific training related to assignments and time in the program.  

Committee members were welcomed by BG Sellars who provided an overview of the Guard rotation and his belief in the importance of the ESGR mission.  

The Committee also heard from Mr. Brian Ottlinger, Program Coordinator with the Department of Workforce Development for Veterans Programs. Mr Ottlinger explained various employment opportunities and support programs his organization provides veterans. Members were encouraged to include the Department of Workforce Development for service members returning from deployment and looking for new career opportunities.  

Navy Reservist Kenneth Tripp, an employee with Covidien, spoke on the effects of mobilization on an Employer and Employee. Hearing the inspirational story of how his employer supported and helped relieve the stress and worry about his family’s well being drove home the importance of ESGR’s mission.

As important as the training is, it is also important for members to meet with friends, exchange ideas, encourage networking and rejuvenate their enthusiasm for supporting those that serve in the Guard or Reserve by gaining and maintaining employer support.      

   

 

 

Good food with good friends

 

ESGR Program Coordinator, SFC Richard Reynolds

 

The well trained members listen intently 

 

State Chair Kenneth Forchielli educates the Members

 

Keynote Speaker,  BG Sellars