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Q& A Tech Talk Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Published on May 17, 2023

True North Blog headerSaturday, May 20th 2023 is Armed Forces Day and True North Equipment is taking a moment to acknowledge and appreciate the men and women, in all branches, serving our country. We are proud of them as they take part in protecting our country and ensuring our freedoms. 
We are fortunate to work along individuals who dedicate themselves to a greater cause. They bring the skills and unique talents they developed while in service like leadership, great work ethic, trouble shooting skills, working well under stress, and have the confidence to tackle any task.
To show our utmost gratitude and support, not just on Armed Forces Day, but year round, True North Equipment has signed the pledge to support the military service of it’s employees with Employer Support Guard and Reserve, ESGR. To tells us more about what ESGR is and what role True North Equipment takes in helping service members navigate through the work force as the dedicate themselves to serving our country is True North Equipment CEO and Employer Support Guard and Reserve Chairman, John Oncken.


Who is ESGR?

ESGR, promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment. ESGR is supported by a network of more than 3,000 volunteers in 54 committees located across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Guam-CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Volunteers, hailing from small business and industry, government, education, and prior military service bring a vast wealth of experience to assist in serving employers, Service members, and their families. Together with Headquarters ESGR staff and a small cadre of support staff for each State Committee, volunteers work to promote and enhance employer support for military service in the Guard and Reserve.


What is True North’s goal in being a part of ESGR?
Create great awareness of how employers can be more aware and connected with their Guard and or Reserve employees whom actively serve.


ESGR has served our country for more than 50 years, fostering a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States. These citizen warriors could not defend and protect us at home and abroad without the continued promise of meaningful civilian employment for themselves and their families. ESGR has continued to adapt to meet the needs of Reserve Component members, their families, and America’s employers by joining forces with a network of other national, state, and local government and professional trade organizations. Together, We All Serve!


What are the ESGR benefits?
We have a much greater understanding and recognition of the value our Guard and Reserve play in our freedom and safety. We know how to bring value to both parties.

How ESGR Can Help.

ESGR understands the unique talents and skill set Guard and Reserve Service members can bring to the civilian workforce. To make this arrangement work, both parties must be aware of their rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. ESGR is here to help! With an ESGR committee in each state, territory, and the District of Columbia, there is an ESGR representative able to help you forge a stronger bond with your military employees through a greater understanding of their military service.


What is True North’s role in ESGR?
My role as CEO/Owner and ESGR Chairman is to place great value in the selfless work and dedication of our Guard / Reserve employees and how we can be great contributors and teammates in our collective journey. 


ESGR offers employer programs such as Bosslifts, employer briefings, and job fairs in your local area. These programs provide insight into the duties performed by your employees in the Guard or Reserve while on duty.


What is the ESGR employer program, Bosslifts?
I will be hosting a BossLift to Camp Grafton June 10th that will take 10 community leaders/ business owners on a UH-60 Blackhawk.   
We present them the opportunity to see a first hand glimps into the life of a solder.


There are ways to say “thanks for your military service,” and ways to say “thanks for your support.” ESGR offers a Statement of Support program where employers can sign a pledge to support the military service of their employees. Simultaneously, ESGR offers a progressive awards program so you can nominate a supportive supervisor or employer for support that goes above and beyond what is required by the law.

Boss LiftYou’re a chair member of ESGR. What role do you play on the board, and how long have you been a member?
• I lead a volunteer group that directly reports to a state President and then the Pentagon.  
• I have been a volunteer since 2017 when I received the Patriot Award
• I became Co-Chair that year and now hold the Chairman position

Who inspired you to be a part of ESGR?
Having a father who served in the Korean conflict 1952-1954 as an Army 2nd LT (724 Transportation Battalion), to losing our Nephew  (Marine-EOD) Dale Peterson to an IED in Iraq (April 23, 2007, those life experiences have shaped my want to give back to our community, our Region, and our Country. 
Is there anything you’d like to add about the ESGR program?
ESGR is a vital part of the fabric of a soldier’s journey through the workforce.  We are part of every activated unit before their departure and upon their return.


Our hope is that by creating a culture in which all employers value the military service of their employees, we will limit any issues between employers and Service members. ESGR and True North Equipment is able to answer any questions you may have regarding your rights and responsibilities in the employment of Guard or Reserve Service members.

For more information about Employer Support Guard and Reserve visit https://www.esgr.mil/





Casey HIllebrand

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  • John Deere