Virgin Islands Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (VIESGR) has sworn in a new state chair during the national conference that was held Oct. 27, on St. Croix. State Chair Ben Mitchell was first sworn in before national officials during the Employer Support State Chair Conference in Washington, D.C. The week -long conference, held Sept. 13-19, featured Vice President Joe Biden as its key note speaker, the oath of leadership from 56 state chairs and a wealth of training to enhance the ESGR mission.
“I am humbled by this exciting opportunity to contribute to the efforts of ESGR in enhancing the Virgin Islands culture and employers’ reception of our citizen soldiers, who so proudly fight for our freedom.” Mitchell . As a citizen soldier myself, it is a charge and duty I will execute passionately,” Mitchell said.
The ESGR Virgin Islands Committee was revived in 2008 under the direction of Executive Director Sherry Morales. Since her initiation, Morales has contributed to the nomination of the state chair and expansion of full-time staff to execute the mission of ESGR in the territories: to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve members by recognizing outstanding support; increasing awareness of the law; and resolving conflict through mediation.
The swearing in of Chairman Ben Mitchell exhibits VIESGR’s commitment to develop and promote a culture in which all Virgin Islands employers support and value the military service of their employees particularly during a time when many local men and women have deployed to serve the territory.
For more information, visit the national Web site at esgr.mil . Local information can also be accessed via the Virgin Islands National Guard Web site at vi.ngb.army.mil or by calling 332-1059.
