News : ESGR Week: Vinton honors employers that help Guard, Reserve

Veterans witnessed Vinton Mayor John Watson sign the ESGR Week proclamation.

Vinton Mayor John Watson signed a proclamation on Monday declaring that the week of Sept. 18-24 is Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Week in Vinton.

The proclamation reminds employers of the importance of allowing their employees freedom to serve in the National Guard or military Reserve units, and allowing them to return to jobs after serving their country.

Watson said he signed the proclamation with a lot of appreciation for those who serve in the military this way, as well as the employees who let them. Many of a company's best workers are those who serve in the military, said the mayor.

Since 1972, the ESGR has been working to promote a culture in which all employers support the military service of their employees, said Mark Hennessey of the Iowa National Guard's ESGR Committee. Several area veterans witnessed the signing of the proclamation, including Legion Post 57 Commander Brad Anderson, Roger Uthoff, Ken Silkers, Mark Timmer and Craig Streeter, as well as Legion Auxiliary representative Marilyn Silkers.