Reservists Say War Makes Them Lose Jobs

The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette ^ | Aug 15, 2004 | LARRY MARGASAK -- Associated Press Writer

[Willie Green]

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Increasing numbers of National Guard and Reserve troops who have returned from war in Iraq and Afghanistan are encountering new battles with their civilian employers at home. Jobs were eliminated, benefits reduced and promotions forgotten.

Since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, the Labor Department reports receiving greater numbers of complaints under a 1994 law designed to give Guard and Reserve troops their old jobs back, or provide them with equivalent positions. Benefits and raises must be protected, as if the serviceman or servicewoman had never left.

Some soldiers, however, are finding the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act can't protect them.

[Old Sarge]

I am utterly without comment.

[M0sby]

From the article, or the responses TO the article?
Both are making me MAD!~

[Old Sarge]

I know, I know.

I guess I'm lucky with my civilian job - they turn me loose at any time, and welcome me back when I return.

I've dissapeared on them seven times since The War started - once for over a year, and only just got back from the last one. They've kept a cube open for me, every time.

But I would leap at the chance to go back into The Green Suit forever, and not come back to the cubes. This job, as nice as they are, is just filler between missions.

[gcraig]

He would have volunteered too, but if you volunteer your employer DOES NOT have to keep your job open.

The USERRA applies whether you volunteered or were involuntarily sent to active duty. Your husband doesn't have to distinguish between one or the other with his employer. I know for a fact that the military orders say the same thing regardless of your voluntary status. I'm going on active duty again in less than a month, will be going overseas again, and will be returning home expecting my job again.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

My sons are ass kickers 24/7.

((Hugs, for the Happy2BMe family!))

------------------------------------------

Reporters could do so much to help our troops - rally neighbors in communities across America - by simply reporting the truth - including the good news - good works, security sucesses - and real life sacrifices and needs of our Soldiers and their families, along with the true nature of the enemy we face and the war we fight, post-911, and the efforts being made by so many Americans - including business owners - who understand the cost of our freedom and care about our troops today. 

 

Some temporary fix-its, as Americans work out the latest in what will inevitably be a long, long, series of emerging new problems as we fight this longterm war:  take the pay raises the Senate voted for themselves, strip AP of their tax-free status, cut the staff of non-military government agencies in half - give resulting tax $$$ to reservists in need. *g*

More on the ESGR and other potentially helpful resources:

Employer support for the Guard and Reserve

 

ESGR Mission: Gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve as defined by demonstrated employer commitment to employee military service.

To see the complete list of organizations who
have pledged their support for our troops, click here.

''America's Car: Join the drive to gain and maintain active employer support for our Guardsmen and Reservists. ESGR is saluting America's employers through a national employer outreach program." Click here to find out how you can help.
-----------------------------

VA Sec. Principi also has sons serving in this war.

Help from the VA:

VA link for Reservists/Guard who served in OIF and OEF:

Also, many organizations and links to others,

from the DoD War on Terrorism news site: www.defendamerica.mil:

     (click pic)

 

Anyone who thinks the government will do a better job needs only to look at other groups made dependent on government largesse - from Social Security, to welfare - and know that 'entitlements' do not lift our neighbors, or unite and strengthen our nation.

 

The Arkansas National Guard troops in Iraq have a separate room for 'care package' booty - and never go without - thanks to grateful neighbors who rally other neighbors to help.

 

Best way we can help our troops and veterans is by finding out the local needs, informing our neighbors, and helping - with whatever support our troops and Reservists - our neighbors - need.

 

If only our free reporters used their powers for good, our troops would have all the support they need on the homefront, and around the world, imho. 

[Happy2BMe]

SUPER POST - BUMP!

Those are great helping links for our military to find valuable assistance in tmie of need.

Bookmarking.

[potlatch]

Yes, that is a beautiful baby picture. The look on it's face and so tiny. I'm glad you liked it.

[Smartass]

Good evening Potlatch...
With me and baby's, it's usually love at first sight.
Although, toddler girls are my favorite. Their just special.

[potlatch]

That's a nice thing to say. I love to see a newborn baby, they grow so fast. I have a 2Year old grandson who is a real cutie!!

[Havoc]

Sorry, soldier, you've been outsourced... Ah the smell of patriotism in the morning..

[Smartass]

I know what you mean about growing. Every time we see
our two grandchildren, it seems like they've grown another inch!!!

[potlatch]

Well, actually, they probably have!! LOLOL