SAN DIEGO –
Rear Adm. W. Grant Mager, Reserve Deputy, Operations, Plans and Strategy, recognized 68 civilian employers and guests representing 35 companies from across the nation for their exceptional support of Navy Reserve Sailors during the Navy Reserve's annual Navy Employer Recognition Event (NERE) June 7, 2023.
The annual event recognizes employers who provide outstanding support to Navy Reserve Sailors who work for their organizations in a civilian capacity. The all-day event included a tour of USS Carl Vinson (CVN 70), static displays of aircraft and facilities, and a dinner reception aboard USS Midway Museum with Mager, as well as other flag officers and representatives from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
"Since the Navy Reserve’s establishment 108 years ago in 1915, just prior to our entry into the First World War, citizen Sailors from across the country have answered the call to service," said Mager, addressing the assembly of employers and participants during the event's opening ceremony. "And today, Navy Reserve Sailors — your employees — are still front and center, central to protecting against challenges to international norms and defending our American ideals and way of life."
Visiting executives from various employer organizations had the opportunity to experience a live demonstration from the Navy Marine Mammal Program, view an aircraft static display from Fleet Logistics Support Squadron (VR-57), take tours of Navy patrol craft, and observe a demonstration with the military working dogs from Naval Base San Diego Security Department.
Employers and participants also met with Navy special warfare operators from SEAL Team 17, toured the USS Midway Museum, and enjoyed lunch at Island Club, provided by the ESGR.
NERE provides an opportunity for employers to get better acquainted with the military commitments of their employees who are members of the Navy Reserve, providing a deeper understanding of the importance of employer support to Navy warfighting readiness.
“The quality of the people is what makes bringing Navy Reserve Sailors into our team so valuable,” said Greg McCoun, President of Austin Industrial, Inc. in Houston, Texas. “When we bring them on, they can hit the ground running; they have the experience and the leadership.”
The event also provides Navy Reserve Sailors an opportunity to thank their employers for supporting them and their families before, during and after mobilizations or deployments.
For more information on how Navy Selected Reserve Sailors can recognize their civilian employers, visit the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) webpage. ESGR is a DoD program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve Components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities. Navy Selected Reserve Sailors can also nominate their civilian employers for a Patriot award at: https://www.esgr.mil/