Roswell, NM fire department employee is confident of job upon return from OEF

Courtesy Photo | DOHA, Qatar - The New Mexico Roswell Fire Department supports one of its own by allowing necessary time to accomplish military requirements. Army Reservist Sgt 1st Class Joe Luna stated, 'My job was very cooperative because they readily allowed me to attend my drills and annual training before I was deployed.'  

DOHA, QATAR

02.28.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

By SMSgt. Darenda Rogers
CENTCOM Public Affairs/ESGR

DOHA, Qatar - The New Mexico Roswell Fire Department supports one of its own by allowing necessary time to accomplish military requirements. Army Reservist Sgt 1st Class Joe Luna stated, "My job was very cooperative because they readily allowed me to attend my drills and annual training before I was deployed."

He doesn't have to wonder whether his job will be there when he returns from his deployment either. The New Mexico Roswell Fire Department "has been very supportive of me. My job is there when I get back" he said.

Luna, a 12-year employee of the New Mexico Roswell Fire Department is serving in support of Operation Enduring Freedom with United States Central Command (USCENTCOM) as a noncommissioned officer in charge (NCOIC) of Security Forces Day Shift. He was told by his boss to do a good job while he's gone. "Make sure you come back home."

USCENTCOM, located at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla., is the unified command responsible for U.S. security interests in 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa (HOA) through the Arabian Gulf region, into Central Asia. USCENTCOM is one of nine unified commands in the Department of Defense (DOD).

Central Command's mission includes enhancing regional stability and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to regional security. CENTCOM is also responsible for executing the Global War on Terror in its assigned area of responsibility (AOR), which includes Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa (HOA). Other important USCENTCOM activities include humanitarian and security assistance programs, as well as combined training and education opportunities for military members in AOR nations.

According to Luna, "They are doing their part there while I'm doing my part here."

His military training and job skills have impacted upon his civilian employment. "It helps me in working with people and using my leadership skills." he said.

Luna is pleased with the support his employer provides to uphold his National Guard commitment. "I can maintain military ties part-time as a member of the National Guard while fulfilling my full-time job as well."

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, commonly referred to as USERRA, allows Luna and other mobilized military members to retain their rights to return to their employers following a deployment. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense agency established in 1972, operates the mission to gain and maintain active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 1.2 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the information agency for the employers of America's new Minutemen. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at [phone].

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• Date Taken: 02.28.2006
• Date Posted: 02.28.2006 14:41
• Story ID: 5546
• Location: DOHA, QA