Ohio Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve - ESGR

09/05/2026

Last weekend, the Ohio ESGR Ombudsman Team met in Columbus to discuss experiences, tips, best practices and tools used to advise and mediate between service members and employers.

Communication between all parties and the understanding of the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act (USERRA) were key points of the discussions throughout the day. The group also reviewed available resources for use in the mediation process.

Ombudsman services are one of the resources that Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve offers to employers and those who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

If you're an employer or a Reserve Component Service Member and have questions about USERRA, reach out to your state's ESGR Committee.

Ohio Committee - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of War Field Activity. For more information, visit www.ESGR.mil.

Pictured Back Row Left to Right: State Chairman John McCance, Beth Jackson, Bob Skinner, and Tim Garth. Front Row Left to Right: Mark Williams, Ken McKinley and Stan Brasch.

09/04/2026

"Stewart Glass has fostered a workplace culture that genuinely values military service and understands the importance of supporting citizen-soldiers.”

Those words, written by Army National Guard Staff Sergeant Blake Schwartz, say a lot about the culture at Stewart Glass in Logan, Ohio, and why he nominated his employers for a Patriot Award.

Congratulations to Patriot Award recipients Andrew Stewart, CEO and founder; Hailey Stewart-Hofer, PE, Financial Controller; and Abhi Bhagat, Supervisor!

Yesterday, Ohio ESGR Central Region Chair Bob Skinner presented the award to Andrew and Hailey. Abhi was unable to attend the presentation, but was certainly part of this well-deserved recognition.

The ESGR Patriot Award recognizes supervisors or employers who demonstrate exceptional support for an employee serving in the National Guard or Reserve, such as supporting military service and training obligations, accommodating military-related absences, creating a workplace culture that respects military service and goes above and beyond to support the employee and their family.

The Patriot Award recognizes employers who make it possible for citizen-soldiers to successfully balance their military service and civilian careers.

Stewart Glass is only one year old, and Sergeant Schwartz wrote in his nomination letter, “Stewart Glass and its leadership team have been exceptionally supportive of my National Guard service and training obligations. Throughout my employment, they have consistently treated me fairly and ensured that my military commitments have never affected opportunities for advancement or professional growth. The company has provided outstanding flexibility, allowing me to adjust my work schedule to meet training requirements while balancing my family responsibilities. They have also been highly accommodating of short-notice drills, military schools, and other training events, enabling me to serve my state and nation without conflict or hesitation. I would also like to recognize my immediate supervisor, Abhi, whose leadership has been instrumental in creating this supportive environment. As a National Guard veteran, he understands firsthand the challenges of balancing military and civilian responsibilities. He leads with professionalism, understanding, and a genuine commitment to supporting those who serve. “

Thank you to the leadership team at Stewart Glass for supporting those who protect our nation!

Ohio Committee - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of War Field Activity. For more information, visit www.ESGR.mil.

Pictured below L to R: Andrew Stewart, Hailey Stewart-Hofer, Bob Skinner and Blake Schwartz.

09/02/2026

Congratulations to recent Patriot Award recipients Tracy Yoesting and Derek Yoesting of Patriot Motors and Equipment in Marysville, Ohio!

Your support of our military service members and their families is greatly appreciated!

The ESGR Patriot Award recognizes individual supervisors and managers who demonstrate exceptional support for their employees serving in the National Guard or Reserve. This support may include offering flexible work schedules, providing time off before and after deployments, assisting with family needs, and granting leaves of absence as necessary.

Recently, Ohio ESGR Central Ohio Chair Bob Skinner presented Patriot Awards to Tracy and Derek (father and son) for their outstanding support of their employee, Deklan Ziegler, who is currently serving in the Army National Guard.

Ziegler stated that Tracy was a super patriot and very supportive during his deployment by checking on him and his family regularly.

This is a particularly unique situation, as both Tracy and Derek themselves served in the Army National Guard.

Gentlemen - we thank you for your support and encouragement of those who serve our country!

Ohio Committee - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of War Field Activity. For more information, visit www.ESGR.mil.

Pictured below Left to Right: Bob Skinner, Tracy Yoesting, Derek Yoesting and Deklan Zeigler of Patriot Motors in Marysville, Ohio.

08/31/2026

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a valuable resource to employers who employ anyone who serves in the Guard or Reserve as well as those individuals who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

Navigating military leave, reemployment requirements, and workplace policies can be complex. ESGR provides employers with trusted guidance, educational resources, and expert support to help you understand and comply with USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act) requirements while supporting the service members on your team.

Whether you have questions about employee rights, military leave obligations, or best practices for managing Guard and Reserve employees, ESGR offers no-cost resources and assistance designed specifically for employers.

If you have questions, we have answers.

Ohio Committee - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of War Field Activity. For more information, visit www.ESGR.mil.

08/29/2026

Happy Birthday Marine Corps Reserve!

08/28/2026

You know that Labor Law poster hanging on the wall in your workplace?

Take a closer look at the section that says USERRA.

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) establishes important rights and responsibilities for both Reserve Component Service Members and their civilian employers including protections related to employment, reemployment, benefits, and discrimination based on military service.

And this is where Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve can help.

FOR EMPLOYERS: We help you understand your responsibilities under USERRA, answer questions about military leave and employment, and provide resources to help you support your employees who serve.

FOR RESERVE COMPONENT SERVICE MEMBERS: We help you understand your rights and responsibilities under USERRA and provide resources to help you navigate the relationship between military service and civilian employment.

And when questions become workplace conflicts, ESGR’s trained Ombudsmen can provide neutral, informal mediation to help employers and Service members work toward resolution. ESGR is a free resource available to employers and service members.

Have a USERRA question? Visit ESGR at www.ESGR.mil for more information or to find resources in your state.

08/27/2026

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Seven Seals Award is the organization’s broadest and most inclusive award, recognizing significant individual or organizational achievement, initiative or support that advances the ESGR mission. This prestigious award honors those who go above and beyond to support the nation’s Guard and Reserve members.

Kent State University has earned this distinguished recognition for its longstanding commitment to military-connected students. Ohio ESGR State Chairman John W. McCance presented the award to Kent State President Todd Diacon yesterday at the university’s Center for Adult and Veteran Services office.

McCance presented the award with other ESGR volunteers – Ernie Stone, Employer Outreach Director; Tim Garth, NE Area Chair; John Marino, East Area Chair; Chaker J. Fadel, NE Area Volunteer; and Jayni Sech, Public Affairs Director.

Kent State’s support goes well beyond the classroom. The university provides centralized GI Bill and benefits assistance, priority registration for veterans and service members, career development and professional mentoring through the Bob and Ann Woolf Veteran Career Initiative, and dedicated points of contact for academic advising, financial aid, disability concerns and VA benefits. And a special thank you to Executive Director of the Center for Adult and Veteran Services, Joshua Rider, and his team for the support they provide to the students who serve in the military.

“Kent State doesn’t simply support those who serve. It has built a culture that recognizes that service, understands the sacrifices and invests in the success of their military students. The Seven Seals Award is a reflection of that commitment, and Kent State is truly a model for institutions across Ohio,” McCance said.

The university also accepts the Ohio National Guard Scholarship, supports ROTC programs, recognizes veterans with honor cords at graduation, and offers online courses through the Community College of the Air Force General Education Mobile program.

With 17 consecutive years as a Military Friendly School and a Gold-level designation for the past three years, Kent State has established itself as a leader in supporting the military-connected community.

The Seven Seals Award is a fitting recognition of an institution that understands the value of those who serve, and works every day to ensure they have the resources, flexibility and support to succeed.

Ohio Committee - Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of War Field Activity. For more information, visit www.ESGR.mil.

Pictured below Left to Right: Ernie Stone, John Marino, Chaker Fadel, Todd Diacon, John McCance, Jayni Sech, and Tim Garth.

Photo Credit: Bob Christy.

08/26/2026

Happy National Dog Day! 🐾

Four paws. One mission. 🇺🇸

Military working dogs are more than loyal companions...they’re highly trained teammates who protect, detect, search, and serve alongside our Service members.

This National Dog Day, we salute the incredible dogs who serve our nation. 🐕

Florida Army National Guard Maj. Justin H. of the 53rd Infantry Brigade Combat Team chief of staff, assigned to NATO led Kosovo Force (KFOR) Regional Command East utilizes a bite sleeve while interacting with Sgt. Busa, a K9 with the 131st Military Working Dog Detachment-Europe, assigned to Task Force Military Police at Camp Bondsteel, Kosovo, March 19, 2026.

Well-trained Military Working Dog (MWD) teams enhance KFOR’s force protection and deterrence posture, improve rapid response to incidents, and enable safer, more effective searches and security operations while minimizing risk to civilians and personnel.

U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Seth LaCount - March 2026.

08/22/2026

Our Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve National Chair, Mr. Pete Sampa, reminds us of something fundamental to the strength of our nation: Employers who employ those serving in the Guard and Reserve play a critical role in supporting our nation's military readiness.

When employers understand, accommodate and stand behind their Guard and Reserve employees, they help create the flexibility and stability our service members need to fulfill their military commitments.

To the employers who support their service members: THANK YOU! Your commitment matters not only to your employees and their families, but to our military and our nation.

Thank you to those who serve in the Guard and the Reserve, and thank you to the employers who allow our citizen warriors to balance their military obligations with their civilian careers.

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08/22/2026

Employers with Guard and Reserve employees can benefit from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a trusted resource dedicated to fostering strong employer-military relationships.

Every state has an ESGR committee, and the Ohio contact information is below. From helping employers understand USERRA (Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act) to awarding those employers who go above and beyond for their service members, ESGR is a good resource for both employers and service members.

For employer resources and more information, visit Ohio ESGR online at bit.ly/4aJBXyh.