Tennessee Reserve soldier, Goodman employee deploys to Southwest Asia for OIF

Courtesy Photo | Army Reserve Spc. Brandon E. Hotz, a powder-coat painter for Goodman Manufacturing in Dayton, Tenn., is currently deployed to Southwest Asia as a finance specialist with the Wisconsin-based 376th Finance Battalion, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

06.06.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David McCrary, ESGR FWD Team
Story by Spc. Jennifer Sardam, ESGR FWD Team


SOUTHWEST ASIA - Army Reserve Spc. Brandon E. Hotz is currently deployed to Southwest Asia as a finance specialist with the Wisconsin-based 376th Finance Battalion. Hotz is serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the official name given to military operations assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure and 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.

Despite the challenges of being far from home and family, Hotz said making friends in his new unit and being able to save money for college help to ease the distance.

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. The unified command USCENTCOM is 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.

When he is stateside, Hotz is also a finance specialist with the 3397th Garrison Support Unit in Chattanooga, Tenn. With four years in the military, this is his first deployment as a Reserve soldier. In his civilian occupation, Hotz works for Goodman Manufacturing in Dayton, Tenn., where he has worked for a year, and specializes in powder-coat painting the company's air conditioning units.

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 Hotz 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].

The continued support of his civilian employer is a key factor that allows Hotz to focus on the mission at hand. "[Even] before I got mobilized," said Hotz, 'they [Goodman] were very flexible with drill dates and annual training."

The specialist also added that his service here is more meaningful to him, because he has the support of his loved ones at home. "My family is very patriotic," he remarked. "Although they would prefer for me to be at home, they are proud that I'm serving our country and helping a greater cause."

Hotz, who calls Spring City, Tenn., home, has been married to his wife Lakeda for two years.

usar, esgr

• Date Taken: 06.06.2006
• Date Posted: 06.06.2006 15:25
• Story ID: 6703
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)