City of Bellevue Mayor Rita Sanders signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve on March 23, presented by Lou Wagner, Nebraska Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve volunteer and area chair as well as Ned Holmes who serves as the Employment Support Specialist Nebraska National Guard.
According to a press release issued by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Bellevue joins other cities in pledging:
• We fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s Service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.
“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units” said Paul Cohen, Nebraska Chair. “I am asking all Nebraska employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees. Many Nebraska employers provide support above and beyond what is required by law by offering pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees are mobilized.”
When asked about the criteria, Cohen said “Throughout its history, the city of Bellevue has made community pride a priority. Today is one more tangible example of that commitment. We thank Bellevue and specifically Mayor Sanders and her team for understanding and supporting their Guard and Reserve military members.”
“The city of Bellevue joins a cadre of companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Cohen. “By signing the Statement of Support, they are sending a clear message to future employees that while they are serving their country they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”
Mayor Rita Sanders was honored to sign this Statement of Support especially in a military community such as Bellevue and stated, "Bellevue has a long history of supporting the men and women who bravely serve our country and we will continue to support these Guard and Reserve employees who bring so much to our community."
Pictured: Lou Wagner, ESGR volunteer; Mayor Rita Sanders; Ned Holmes, Employment Support Specialist Nebraska National Guard