NMI employee trades tactical training for security forces in Southwest Asia

Courtesy Photo | Army National Guardsman Staff Sgt. Randall Crawford, assigned to the 1-200th Air Defense Artillery located in Roswell, N.M. is serving as part of the Security Forces for Operation Enduring Freedom in Southwest Asia.  

QATAR

05.24.2006

Courtesy Story

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Story and Photo by SFC David McCrary, ESGR FWD Team

QATAR - New Mexico Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Randall P. Crawford is currently deployed to Qatar 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.

Crawford is grateful for a family who stands with him in service to his country. "My mother and brother respect my desire to defend my country," he explained. "My brother prays for me regularly and cares for my mom in my absence." In spite of these challenges, however, Crawford 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.

Crawford who is a member of the 1-200th Air Defense Artillery located in Roswell, N.M. serves as a computer maintenance specialist there. The Sgt. has served in the military for over 25 years; this is his second deployment overseas. He currently serves as a security forces team leader with responsibilities that range from interaction with personnel to ensure morale is high to managing appropriate equipment for mission needs.

In his civilian occupation, Crawford is a tactical training officer for the N.M. Military Institute. His passion for the work there is evident. "I feel lucky just to work there because it is such a prestigious school and it enhances the lives of so many," he declared.

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 Crawford 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 [phone].

Crawford says that perfecting his leadership skills while on this deployment help him with his civilian job which is also military in nature. He went on to say that his employer instills military discipline in high school and collage students for future military occupations.

Crawford who calls Roswell N.M., his home, is married to Vivian and has three children: Tiffany, Stephanie, and Curt. His mother, Rhea Price, and brother, Vaughn Crawford are also an important part of his life there. "Because I have the support and help of my brother back home, I can focus on the mission here and do this job well," he stated.

ESGR

• Date Taken: 05.24.2006
• Date Posted: 05.24.2006 10:06
• Story ID: 6500
• Location: QA