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JULY 2012

Welcome to Colorado ESGR. Our purpose is to have an informative newsletter that will educate, inform, and promote service by and to ESGR while fulfilling our mission of supporting Employers, Guard/Reserve members, Military and Veteran Employment Initiatives and our COESGR Volunteers.

2012 United Veterans Committee of Colorado Awards Banquet

The UVC is a non-profit coalition of over 55 veterans' service organizations, affiliates associates representing more than 465,000 retiree/veterans throughout Colorado. As of their annual banquet event, a number of awards were presented to individuals organizations who have shown their honor and commitment to veterans. ESGR was those recipients receiving the Outstanding Veteran Service Organization Award. and part and one

Citation reads: In recognition and appreciation of promoting a culture encouraging all American employers to support and value the military service members. ESGR, as the principal advocate within the Department of Defense, has grown from 15 volunteers to 180 today. It provides briefings to over 92 percent of our National Guard members, has developed and maintains a strong working relationship with our Guard and Reserve, and leads in organizing and coordinating efforts to assist our State military and veterans to gain employment, thus benefiting them and their employers.

Colorado Governor Hickenlooper spoke to the some 360 attendees and praised the work of the United Veteran Committee for their working with federal and state agencies to improve benefit programs for the states veterans. UVC, composed of some 50 chartered and federally recognized veterans service organizations and numerous affiliates, has achieved an enviable record of legislative accomplishments for Colorado veterans and has earned a reputation for sound leadership, integrity, and a substantive legislative agenda.

Medal of Honor recipient Sal Giunta

Medal of Honor recipient George Sakato

RADM (Ret.) Richard Young of ESGR, second from left, accepts the award for Outstanding Veteran Service Organization from UVC President Ralph Bozella.

The oldest and the youngest Medal of Honor recipients in Colorado have quite a bit in common, as was evidenced by the presence of youngster Sal Giunta and WWII veteran George "Joe" Sakato at the 40th annual United Veterans Committee banquet. Both have a deep commitment to our country, our service people, our values and our integrity, and both feel that they carry the Medal of Honor as a representation of all those who can't carry it, or who never came home.
Pictures courtesy of United Veterans Committee. 1

As a continuation of their commitment to the military community, both active duty and our veterans, the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce is hosting an event, Remembering Our Fallen, July 9 - 13. This traveling photo exhibit honors our Colorado military troops who have made the ultimate sacrifice since September 11, 2011.
Thousands of servicemen and women from all branches of the military are now coming home, returning to school and to the workplace, eager to start new lives and become leaders in our community. With the newly-created program, CU Denver Boots to Suits, University of Colorado Denver is teaming up with the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce to assist highly-trained and well-educated veterans as they move from the classroom to a career.

For questions about veteran services, contact: Cameron Cook 303-556-2630

We invite your attention to the link for the June 21st edition of Stars and Stripes, which has a 16 page ESGR Anniversary pullout supplement. Here is a link to the pdf version (15 mb in size.) of the document http://navrescolorado.org/pdf/ESGR Anniversary issue full.pdf . More than 200,000 service members stateside and more than 200,000 in the Middle East will receive this feature piece in their paper.

If the pdf file is too large to download, click on picture or use this link for the digital edition directly from Stars and Stripes . http://edition.pagesuite-professional.co.uk/launch.aspx? referral=other&pnum=&refresh=5Hr109Bw3y1S&EID=0912a5a0-e65e4aac-a663-d1f64083abf3&skip=
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Mike Mobley, a volunteer with Colorado ESGR, finishes an epic journey

Marines father ends 2,120-mile hike to Camp Lejeune; raises military awareness
6/1/2012 By Cpl. Andrew D. Johnston, 2nd Marine Division

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. There were times when I thought I wasnt going to make it and I just wanted to go home, said Mike Mobley, who spent 63 days walking from Highlands Ranch, Colo., to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, N.C. Mobleys 2,120-mile journey started as an item on his bucket-list. With two sons serving in the military, his expedition took on a whole new meaning when he dedicated the walk to help raise military awareness and gather donations for military foundations. There was a time when our militarys sacrifices were on the front page of the newspapers, Mobley said. There are still people overseas fighting and getting killed and all you see on the front page is gossiphuman sacrifice has been moved to page 8. Dubbed Operation Hero Trek, news of Mobleys endeavor spread like wild fire and contributions started pouring in. Everything goes completely to the foundations; were not keeping anything for ourselves, Mobley said. Weve been supporting Adaptive Adventures, The Fisher House Foundation, The Greatest Generations Foundation, The Wounded Warrior Project and various other military foundations. Along the way Mobley said he was amazed by the support he received from random strangers. It re-energized his faith in American patriotism and helped him realize people actually still care about their country, he said. At one point this guy just came running up to me and handed me money for donations. He heard about the walk on the news or something and just to be able to have complete strangers come out and support the walk renewed my faith in America. On average, 2000 steps is equivalent to one mile. Mobley left Highlands Ranch March 24, so when he made it to his final destination of Camp Lejeune, May 25, his weathered boots hit the ground nearly 4,240,000 timesThank god its over, he laughed. Mobley made it to Lejeune one day prior to his son Sgt. James R. Mobley, infantry team leader, 2nd Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, coming home from Afghanistan. He ended the final 4.9 miles of the trek with members of 2/9 that had not deployed, along with numerous other military families. Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, commanding general, 2nd Marine Division, presented Mobley with a challenge coin and thanked him for the awareness he raised on his journey. What the Mobley family just did is truly remarkable, and as I mentioned to Mike earlier, it goes to show that there are people out there that really do appreciate and care what our service members do, Toolan said. Mobley chuckled when he was asked if he plans on doing another walk. Not for now, he said. He does have some other ideas like climbing various peaks in the Rocky Mountains, but wants to continue working within the community to raise military awareness. As for now, hes focused on resting his feet and sleeping in his own bed, he said. Nobody thought I was going to make it. And for those who doubted me, I have nothing to say to themI made it, Mobley said. I could have quit and gone home anytime I wanted to but all I had to do was think about the men and women who are overseas who dont get to go home. I did this for them and they deserve the recognition for their service; not me. Maj. Gen. John A. Toolan, commanding general, 2nd Marine Division, presents Mike Mobley with a challenge coin May 25. (Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo by: Cpl. Andrew D. Johnston) Mike Mobley finishes the last 4.9-miles of Operation Hero Trek May 25. and gather donations. (Official U.S. Marine Corps Photo by: Cpl. Andrew D. Johnston) 3

Pictures and story courtesy of http://www.marines.mil/unit/2ndmardiv/Pages/Marine%E2%80%99sfatherends2,120-

Mr. Steve Kanatzar, President and owner of the Airplane Restaurant, Inc., signed an SOS , and is delighted to partner with ESGR. His restaurant is well known in the community for being constructed partially with a fully intact Boeing KC-97 tanker. Built in 1953, this airplane refueled military aircraft throughout the world. Then in May 2002, Mr. Kanatzar, who is a restaurateur and a pilot, found it and gave it a new life at his restaurant in Colorado Springs. A strong supporter of the military, Mr. Kanatzar is well known in the community for his work with active, Guard and Reserve units by providing meals to events, ceremonies and volunteering his time personally in support of our military members. Most importantly, he hosts the monthly meeting of the Pikes Peak area Employer Outreach team of ESGR! Russ Ball, Labor Resource Manager, RK Mechanical Inc., 3800 Xanthia St., Denver, holds the Statement of Support signed by Rick Kinning, CEO and President of the company. The company is big supporter and employer of military service members and veterans. Al Jeffries, a U. S. Army Korean War Veteran and retired Industrial Engineer was a guest with ESGR Volunteer James Garrett who presented the Statement of Support.

ESGR Volunteer Mary J. Miller with Mr. Kanatzar.

Mr. Steve Kanatzar

Russ Ball

Al Jeffries

Nominating Employee - David Fennell, Major, Executive Officer for Marine Air Control Squadron 23 at Buckley AFB, Aurora, CO, and RVSR at Denver VARO. In David's nomination, he stated, "I have worked in both the government and private sector, but have never felt as 'at home' as I do at the Denver Regional Office for the Department of Veterans Affairs. The management here truly understands and appreciates the concept of a citizen warrior. Rather than just tolerate my Reserve service, they embrace it. I owe them a debt of gratitude for supporting my service to country."
Mr. William J. Kane, Director, signs Statement of Support, stating VA fully supports employees in the guard and reserve during employment and deployment.

Left to right, Susan Erickson, VSC Coach, Col. Mark Hustedt, ESGR Volunteer, Kathy Malin, VSCM, David Fennel, RVSR, Mr. William Kane, Director, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Dick Young, Colorado Chair, ESGR, Lt. Col. Jeff Stivers, Davids military supervisor.

Denver Regional Office for the Department of Veterans Affairs

Pictures courtesy of ESGR Volunteers 4

Valuable research information on the importance of hiring Military personnel and veterans .
New Guide to Leading Practices and Resources Supporting the Employment of Veterans and Military Families Since 2001, more than 2.8 million military personnel have made the transition from military to civilian life. Another one million service members will make this transition over the next five years. For a great majority of the men and women that have or will make this transition, their most pressing concern is employment. In 2011, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that 21.6 million living Americans have served the nation in uniform. Of this population of military veterans participating in the labor market, just under one million (8.3%) were unemployed at any given time throughout the past year. Historically, this employment situation compares favorably to the non-veteran population; that is, across the entire population of veterans participating in the labor market (all eras of service/age groups); there has not been a significant difference in the unemployment rate between veterans and non-veterans. However, this favorable comparison has not held true as it relates to the contemporary generation of military veterans. Specifically, Gulf War Era II veterans (post-9/11) have experienced disproportionally higher unemployment rates compared to other veteran and non-veteran demographic segments throughout the period from 2008 to 2011. The disparity in the employment situation that exists between Gulf War Era II veterans and 1) non-veterans, and 2) veterans representing prior periods of military service, represents an important public and private sector concern for the following reasons:.

http://vets.syr.edu/

To continue reading this valuable information from the reports displayed on this page, click on each report cover page to enter the websites for each.
Employing America's Veterans: Perspectives from Businesses.

Hiring veterans is good business, according to detailed and

lengthy interviews with 87 individuals representing 69 companies. The companies reported 11 reasons they hire veterans, with an emphasis on veterans leadership and teamwork skills, character and discipline. Companies also reported challenges associated with hiring veterans, particularly regarding veterans difficulty in translating their military experience to the civilian workplace and concerns about future deployments by National Guard members and reservists. Changes to government policy could alleviate some of these challenges. The deployment concerns warrant a change in law, while others require the participation of companies, nonprofit organizations or veterans themselves. Veterans continue to experience unemployment at a rate higher than their civilian counterparts. Many companies are eager to help and agree that hiring veterans is patriotic and the right thing to do. However, most companies are usually only able to hire veterans when there is also a business-related motivation. This report provides perspectives from American businesses about why they hire veterans, as well as the risks, challenges and disadvantages of doing so.

http://www.cnas.org/
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Colorado National Guard and High Park Fire (As of 6/29/2012)

When the wild blaze of Colorados High Park fire began to exhaust local resources, it fell on the states National Guard units to supplement those firefighting and support element forces and make it possible to contain the raging flames and secure the entrance to the burn areas, allowing civilian responders to focus on other missions. The fire started June 9 and has burned more than 87,284 acres to date and is currently 85 percent contained. Additionally, Colorado Guardsmen are augmenting the Larimer County Sheriff's Department to provide assistance in securing evacuated areas. "The Colorado National Guard is supporting law enforcement in evacuated areas to help secure homes and property," said Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper. "The Guard has so many capabilities, each handled with such professionalism, that we have nothing but trust in their mission success." More than 100 National Guardsmen are currently supporting the High Park fire mission. All combined, the National Guard is providing the following support to the High Park fire response: The Colorado National Guard's 1157th Engineer Firefighter Company is providing pumper trucks, water tenders and firefighters, working side-by-side with their civilian counterparts to assist in fire containment. The National Guard Reaction Force is augmenting the Larimer County Sheriff's Department to provide assistance in securing evacuated areas. The Soldiers represent Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 193rd Military Police Battalion, Colorado Army National Guard. The National Guard Communications Element is providing an interoperable communications platform that allows multiple agencies, both military and civilian, to communicate via phone, internet and radio. The unit comprises Airmen from the Colorado National Guard's 140th Communications Flight. The NGCE relieved the 8th Civil Support Team, comprised of a joint team of CONG Soldiers and Airmen. Soldiers are providing administrative support for the Incident Command Team headquartered at the Colorado Army National Guard's Fort Collins Readiness Center. The Black Hawk helicopters represent the Colorado, Wyoming, Kansas and Nebraska Army National Guard. The firefighting helicopters and crews are equipped with one BamBi Bucket each. Each bucket has a maximum capacity of 660 gallons. One helicopter is outfitted with hoist capability to perform medical evacuation, if necessary. A number of Soldiers and Airmen are currently providing administrative and operations support.

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(6/28/12) The Colorado Army National Guard has joined firefighting efforts at the Waldo Canyon fire in Colorado Springs, Colo. One UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter equipped with a BamBi Bucket has been sent to Waldo Canyon at the request of the incident commander. One bucket is capable of carrying and delivering nearly 500 gallons of water at a time. Additional CONG assets are standing by should they be called. The Colorado Army National Guard is operating under the governors executive order to assist the Colorado Division of Emergency Management and the incident commander in fighting the Waldo Canyon fire. Our aircrews are just transitioning from a challenging but successful firefighting mission on the High Park fires, said Adjutant General of Colorado Maj. Gen Mike Edwards, who commands the Colorado National Guard. Its our highest priority to respond immediately in times of need. We are neighbors helping neighbors. Thats why we serve. During the High Park firefighting mission CONG crews dropped more than 50,000 gallons of water on the fire. The helicopter and crew members launched from the Army Aviation Support Facility on Buckley Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo. The flight crews are Colorado Army National Guard Citizen-Soldiers of 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation.
Guard Pictures and stories courtesy of Colorado National Guard website. http://co.ng.mil/Pages/Default.aspx 6

LAW REVIEW 1265 Are Illegal Immigrants Permitted To Enlist in the Armed Forces? June 2012 By Captain Samuel F. Wright, JAGC, USN (Ret.) 9.0--Miscellaneous Q: President Obama recently announced a new policy for illegal immigrants who were brought to our country, by their parents, while they were still children. These folks are to be given a stay of deportation if they meet certain conditions. One way that a person could qualify for the stay would be by serving or having served honorably in the U.S. armed forces. I dont see how that is possible. Isnt there a law requiring one to be a citizen to enlist in the U.S. armed forces? A: To enlist lawfully in the Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force, or Coast Guard, one must be a U.S. citizen or national or a person who has been lawfully admitted for permanent residence. The only exceptions are for residents of certain Pacific islands that have compacts of free association with the United States. Here is a direct quote of the pertinent language in the United States Code: (b) Citizenship or Residency. (1) A person may be enlisted in any armed force only if the person is one of the following: (A) A national of the United States, as defined in section 101(a)(22) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(22)). (B) An alien who is lawfully admitted for permanent residence, as defined in section 101(a)(20) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101(a)(20)). (C) A person described in section 341 of one of the following compacts: (i) The Compact of Free Association between the Federated States of Micronesia and the United States (section 201(a) of Public Law 108188 (117 Stat. 2784; 48 U.S.C. 1921 note)). (ii) The Compact of Free Association between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the United States (section 201(b) of Public Law 108188 (117 Stat. 2823; 48 U.S.C. 1921 note)). (iii) The Compact of Free Association between Palau and the United States (section 201 of Public Law 99658 (100 Stat. 3678; 48 U.S.C. 1931 note)). (2) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), the Secretary concerned [the Service Secretary, like the Secretary of the Army] may authorize the enlistment of a person not described in paragraph (1) if the Secretary determines that such enlistment is vital to the national interest. Title 10, United States Code, section 504(b) [10 U.S.C. 504(b)]. Q: For decades, there have been many Filipinos in the U.S. armed forces, especially the Navy. How have they been able to qualify? A: The Philippines was a U.S. territory until July 4, 1946, when it became an independent country. After independence, the Republic of the Philippines (RP) had a treaty with our country, for basing rights at Clark Air Force Base and Subic Bay Naval Station. Under that treaty, citizens of the RP were permitted to enlist in the U.S. armed forces. That treaty expired almost 20 years ago. Today, a citizen of the RP must be lawfully admitted to the U.S., for permanent residence, before enlisting in our armed forces. Q: I have known physicians in the U.S. military who were not U.S. citizens and who came here directly from abroad for the purpose of enlisting. How was that possible? A: At times, there has been a severe shortage of physicians in the U.S. armed forces. At those times, the service secretaries have determined that the vital to the national interest standard was met and have used their waiver authority under 10 U.S.C. 504(b) to permit the enlistment of foreign physicians into the U.S. armed forces. Q: I know a young man who was born in Tucson, Arizona 18 years ago, only hours after his mother (a citizen of Mexico) illegally entered our country. Is this young man eligible to enlist in the armed forces? A: Yes, that young man is a citizen of the United States and is eligible to enlist. The first sentence of Section 1 of the 14 Amendment (ratified in 1868) is as follows: All persons born or naturalized in the United States and subject to the jurisdiction thereof are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside. This constitutional language means exactly what it says. Because the young man was born in the United States, he is a citizen.
Sponsored by Content copyright 2011-2012 . Service Members Law Center. All rights reserved. The Reserve Officers Association www.roa.org
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JULY 2012
STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION
Pat OFlaherty Staff Director patrick.oflaherty2@us.army.mil 720.250.1176 Chandra Hance Program Support Specialist chandra.hance@us.army.mil 720.250.1189 FAX: 720.250.1199

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JULY 302nd Air Week Employer Day Peterson AFB, Colorado Springs New Volunteer Training Presentation of Pro Patria Award to Employer - Colorado Springs Utilities, Color Springs Colorado ESGR Directors Mtg

COESGR Business Office 12200 East Briarwood Avenue, Suite 160 Centennial, Co 80112

AUGUST National ESGR Leadership Training, Washington, D.C. 3 Student Veterans Summit, Colorado Springs, CO 9 EO Area Chair Meeting & Directors Meeting 16-19 Advanced Ombudsman Training Alexandria, VA 17 ESGR Employer Luncheon, CO National Guard Armory, Grand Junction, CO 23-26 Basic Ombudsman Training Los Alamitos, Ca. 28 Employer Outreach, U.S. Air Force Academy Tour, TBD

State ESGR Chair

Richard E. Young, RADM, USN (Ret) dickyoung123@gmail.com COLORADO ESGR DIRECTORS Military Outreach Mary Rathje mkrathje@aol.com Joe Ely elytj@aol.com Employer Outreach Bev Skinner jtsbbs@gmail.com Dave Pruett - Co-Director PruettDE@comcast.net Ombudsmen Bill Belz ewbii@msn.com Gary Brown

State ESGR Vice Chair

Tom Mills, Brigadier General, CONG (Ret). meels52@msn.com EMPLOYER OUTREACH AREA CHAIRS Boulder/Longmont Vacant Colorado Springs Mark Hustedt rockymtnfun@gmail.com Mary Miller mary.miller3@us.army.mil Cortez Area Robert Valencia relampagosvt@msn.com Denver Area South Paula Kauffman paula1299@aol.com Denver Area North Michael Mitchel michael@oc-consulting.com Douglas County Area Lorin Ricker Lorin@RickerNet.us Estes Park Area Chair Gary Brown

National Site News and Information Join Facebook and Twitter and become a friend of Colorado

hongrb24@gmail.com
Training Lynn Albi lynnalbi@aol.com

NEWSLETTER EDITOR James Garrett

Special Programs Kip Cheroutes kcheroutes@ Emgacommunications.com National Guard Liaison Robert Balster, BrigGen,USA robert.balster@us.army.mil Public Affairs Iris Fontera IFontera@aol.com Kelly Mazezka - Deputy Kelly@kellymaze.com Employer Initiative Program Director

Click for Tutorial Video on Using H2H

hongrb24@gmail.com
Fort Collins Vacant Grand Junction Lou Brackett patriot08@bresnan.net Pueblo Harry Vogel hotspot58@cs.com

Brad Gallup Brad@Cable-Safe.com 8