Courtesy Photo | Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack pauses for a photo with Master Sergeant Charles Elmquist of...... read more read more
by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers, ESGR FWD Team
SOUTHWEST ASIA " U.S. Air Force Iowa National Guard Master Sgt. Charles Elmquist is currently deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the official name given to military operations from Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa in support of the Global War on Terror.
According to Elmquist, it's the little things that he finds most challenging. "I miss being able to wake my son up and spend time with him," he explained. "I really miss small-town Iowa - the mannerisms and politeness of the people - as well as the ability to just go out back and watch the wild animals." In spite of these challenges, however, Elmquist said that being part of Operation Enduring Freedom makes up for any hardships that he may encounter.
Active duty and reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces are deployed under the U.S. Central Command to support the war against global terrorism outside the borders of the United States. U.S. Central Command is the unified command responsible for U.S. security interests and assets in 27 nations stretching from the Horn of Africa, through the Arabian Gulf region, and into Central Asia.
In Southwest Asia, Elmquist serves as 1st Sgt. for the 386th Expeditionary Maintenance Group, a job he loves. Elmquist declared, "The reward of this job is helping people feel good about themselves so they can excel with the mission."
The Master Sgt. has served in the military for 22 years; this is his second deployment as a reservist. In his civilian occupation, Elmquist is a pre-fabrication technician for Amanco Audubon Manufacturing Company, a subsidiary of OshKosh. According to Elmquist, his supervisor understands the importance of the Guard and Reserve.
Today, more than 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. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is the primary resource for information about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, commonly known as USERRA. This federal law allows Elmquist and other mobilized reserve component members to retain their rights, when the deployment concludes.
Established in 1972, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a DoD agency, provides free USERRA education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. 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. 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.
Elmquist expressed gratitude for an employer who is so supportive. "They not only work with me whenever I must take time off for military duty," Elmquist pointed out, 'they shared the joy of my son's upcoming graduation with me by posting his graduation announcement in the break area to allow employees to attend even if I don't return home for the ceremony in time," he further added, "They also sent my son letters while he was at Basic Training."
Elmquist, who calls Atlantic, Iowa, his home, is the proud father of two sons - David, 26, out of Okla. and Airman 1st Class Kirk Elmquist, 18, out of Atlantic, Iowa, a new addition to the Iowa Air National Guard. "Kirk now knows what "Service Before Self" is all about," Elmquist asserted.
ESGR
| Date Taken: | 05.08.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 05.08.2006 16:51 |
| Story ID: | 6300 |
| Location: | (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION) |
| Web Views: | 112 |
| Downloads: | 46 |
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