Photo By Sgt. Jennifer Sardam | When 1st Lt. Dominic J. White is not in military uniform, he works as the safety...... read more read more
by Spc. Jennifer Sardam
USCENTCOM Public Affairs/ESGR Forward Team
SOUTHWEST ASIA - Within the first moment you meet U.S. Air Force Reserve 1st Lt. Dominic J. White, his approachable and generous nature shines through. "I enjoy helping others," remarked White, with a broad grin. "That is why I work in the human resources field in both the Air Force and my civilian job."
White is the assistant team chief of personnel for contingency operations (PERSCO) in the 910th Mission Support Flight (MSF) at Youngstown Air Reserve Station, Ohio, and the 379th Expeditionary Mission Support Group while currently deployed to Southwest Asia.
"We [PERSCO] help people every day, whether with emergency leave, personnel matters or reenlistments," said White, "and then while here [Southwest Asia], we provide any support servicemembers would need." He said he likes learning the different personnel processes and how they work, because he can use this information when problem solving in his civilian job.
When this Reserve member is not in military uniform, he works as the safety coordinator (job classification in human resources) for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (DOT), District 1, which includes 850 employees in six counties. There in Oil City, Pa., he manages the Workers" Compensation Program and enforces safety policies through public education in such areas as vehicle accident and employee safety.
Having his state employer back his military service is essential to this officer's ability to balance both careers.
White left for seven weeks to pursue an officer commissioning program in 2004. Shortly after, he attended a personnel officer course in 2005, and then embarked on his present deployment a few months later. "In the last three years, I've been away several weeks," emphasized White, "and the support has been incredible."
Occasionally, White has had to arrive early for his weekend drills with the 910th. Luckily, that has not been a problem with his civilian employer who has "accommodated him on short notice." During White's time on duty at home and abroad, he said his employer has 'supported and encouraged my desire to serve my country."
White's supervisor, Nancy Rogowski, also continuously supports him. "When I volunteered, she was excited for me," he explained.
Even with White's extended absence, the company continues to provide him full medical benefits and keep him on the payroll. According to White, when an employee of the Pennsylvania DOT is called to active duty, the department provides "paid military leave for the first three weeks," and then "a $500-per-month stipend for every month" thereafter. "The entire Commonwealth of Pennsylvania provides that to its employees," he added.
With 18 years in the military, this is the Conneautville, Pa., resident's first real-world deployment.
Although he may be far from his job and family, White shows no doubt in regarding the value of his service and passing that spirit on to others. "I have a desire to talk to people about the military to encourage them to serve," he stressed. "I have helped our local recruiters at recruiting fairs, as well as coworkers wanting to join the military. I strongly believe in our freedoms and the military that helps keep us free."
This first lieutenant's family also follows suit when it comes to supporting their country.
His wife of 17 years, Debrah, enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in 2002, and his niece joined the 910th MSF in 2005.
Although White's Pennsylvania employer is largely understanding of his patriotic duties, working in human resources provides the unique benefit of keeping him up to date on his rights as a Reserve member. "I've assisted coworkers in dealing with issues related to civil and military relations regarding USERRA," he acknowledged.
The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, commonly known as USERRA, allows White and other mobilized military members to retain their rights to return to their civilian jobs following a deployment. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is 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 (800) 336-4590.
| Date Taken: | 03.24.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 03.24.2006 11:50 |
| Story ID: | 5841 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 172 |
| Downloads: | 111 |
This work, Pennsylvania DOT encourages USAF Reserve member's desire to serve his country, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
