PRESQUE ISLE — Maine Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency, honored the Maine Military Authority (MMA) with the ESGR ‘Above and Beyond Award’ recognizing the employer’s extraordinary supports of Maine Guard and Reserve members and their families.
Bob Jandreau, operations manager at the Limestone location, received the award on behalf of the MMA during the ESGR-sponsored Breakfast with the Boss event at The Crow’s Nest Restaurant & Events Center in Presque Isle before several local area employers and military members which represented the seven different Guard and Reserve branches.
The Maine Military Authority, a state of Maine entity, refurbishes military wheeled vehicles, military equipment, transient buses and a variety of component parts to factory-new specifications utilizing cost-effective and labor-efficient methods that achieve dramatic savings for their customers. MMA hiring practices reflect their strong support of the Guard and Reserve, veterans and their families, as many of the employees have extensive military backgrounds. Additionally, under Maine employment policies, currently-serving Guard and Reserve employees receive up to 17 paid military leave days per year with a continuation of full state benefits.
According to (Ret.) BG Rob Carmichael, Maine ESGR chair, “The Above and Beyond Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize employers at the local level who have gone above and beyond legal requirements of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) by providing Guard and Reserve employees additional, non-mandated benefits such as pay differential or full pay to offset wages, extended health benefits, and other incentive or similar benefits.”
Maine Military Authority was nominated by the Maine Committee for being highly supportive of Maine Guard and Reserve members and their families with their generous incentives and benefits packages offered to new employees.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for National Guard and Reserve forces. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. For more information about ESGR Outreach Programs or ESGR volunteer opportunities, call 800-336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.
