News: Press Releases

For Release: August 2, 2005 - Contact: Larry Traylor, (804) 674-3574

DOC Receives Recognition from Department of Defense for Support of National Guard and Reserve

RICHMOND – The Virginia Department of Corrections (DOC) has received Five Star recognition from the Virginia Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (VAESGR), a Department of Defense all volunteer committee. VAESGR recognized DOC for support of employees actively serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

“Our employees throughout the Commonwealth have supported not only their fellow employees in the military but their families as well,” said DOC Director Gene M. Johnson. “I am proud to receive this recognition on behalf of all DOC employees here at home and currently serving on active duty in our armed forces.” Since 9/11, the DOC has had over 160 employees called to active duty and over 100 are currently on active duty.

Five Star recognition is given to employers who:

Sign a Statement of Support.
Review their Human Resource Policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994.
Train Managers and Supervisors in the provision of the law and how to manage employees in the military.
Adopt ‘Over and Above’ Policies by providing more support than just that required by law.
Support VAESGR.

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) was established in 1972 by Presidential proclamation to promote support among employers of Guard and Reserve members. ESGR is an agency of the Department of Defense under command of the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs.