Minocqua Mailman manages money rather than mail while deployed overseas

Courtesy Photo | Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Michael Harris supervises a Finance Detachment in Kuwait.  

KUWAIT

05.24.2006

Courtesy Story

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Photo and Story by Sgt. 1st Class David McCrary, ESGR Forward Team

KUWAIT - Army Reserve Sgt. 1st Class Michael Harris is currently deployed to Kuwait in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the official name given to military operations assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Being away from his wife, Jamie, soon-to-deliver their second child and their two-year-old son, Ayden, has proven difficult for this dedicated family man. In spite of these challenges, however, Harris shared that being a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom helps make up for the hardships.

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 Kuwait, Harris serves as noncommissioned officer in charge of a post finance office for the 376th Finance Battalion. The Sgt. 1st Class has served in the military for 15 years; this is his second deployment outside the United States.

In his civilian occupation, Harris has been a rural letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service for five years, a job he loves. Harris sings his employer's praises. "My employer has been fantastic!" he raved. "They helped me get everything in order for the deployment to include health insurance coverage which is critical right now with our second [child] on the way." He further explained that his fellow coworkers and supervisors keep his wife informed of any changes and they keep her feeling a part of our postal family, a huge relief and comfort to him while he is deployed.

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 Harris 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].

According to Harris, supervisor of the finance section at the camp he serves, his military training and leadership skills aid him in becoming a better employee for the postal service.

Michael, who calls Minocqua, Wis., his home, is the son of Paul and Ginnie Harris, also of Minocqua, and son-in-law of Tim and Tina Burns of Schofield, Wis. He expressed gratitude for a family that is there for him. "My family has been so supportive not only of me but also of our unit," he explained. "They frequently send care packages with needed items, phone cards, snacks, photos, and special letters reminding me that they are looking forward to my return."

ESGR, USAR

• Date Taken: 05.24.2006
• Date Posted: 05.24.2006 15:44
• Story ID: 6512
• Location: KW