SPOKANE, Wash. – Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense program, announced Jenna Gaskin, Human Resources Coordinator for Berg Company (HDT Global), signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve during a presentation of a 2021 Freedom Award Nomination Certificate by Hannah Schoepp, east area chair with Washington ESGR. The ceremony occurred in front of roughly 100 employees including 24 who self-identified as veterans.

The Statement of Support confirms Berg Company (HDT Global) joins other employers in pledging:

• We fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

“Today, supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units,” said Schoepp. “I am asking all Washington employers to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve employees.”  Many Washington employers provide support above and beyond their legal requirements by law by offering pay-differential to offset the loss of wages, and extension of health care benefits, which complement coverage provided by the military, when their employees mobilize.

When asked about the criteria, Schoepp said, “By meeting the Statement of Support criteria Berg Company (HDT Global) pledges to stand proudly with its Guard and Reserve employees, who continue to answer their nation’s call to support our communities at home and critical missions throughout the world. Their sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation.”

“All of us at Berg are very supportive of our guard and reserve employees,” said Gaskin. “We are proud to support service members and their families during deployments as well as drill weekends and training.”

“Berg Company (HDT Global) joins a cadre of companies, state and federal, agencies and thousands of America’s employers in demonstrating support for our armed forces,” added Schoepp. “By signing the Statement of Support, Berg Company (HDT Global) is sending a clear message to its employees that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.

For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call 1-800-336-4590 or visit http://www.esgr.mil/WA.

Photo caption (L-R): Human Resources Manager Ryan Mallmann, Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Matthew Olson, Human Resources Coordinator Jenna Gaskin