Topeka, Kansas Commerce Bank and Trust Officer pulls VIP duty while in Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Maj. Roger Aeschliman (center) meets with Montana Gov. Schweitzer and party during the Governor's recent visit to Iraq.  

IRAQ

07.11.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Story by Lt Col Martin Moerschell
ESGR Forward Team

IRAQ, Baghdad - U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Roger Aeschliman from Topeka, Kan. is currently deployed 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.

Despite the challenges of being deployed far from home, Aeschliman, who first joined the military 'to do something different," said calls and letters from home help to bridge the distance and being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and The Global War on Terror helps make up for the hardships of deployment.

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 Baghdad, Aeschliman serves as the Chief of the Joint Visitors Bureau where he is responsible for planning and executing agendas for some of the highest senior world dignitaries who come to Iraq. The major has served in the military for 19 years and this is his first overseas deployment. In his civilian occupation, Aeschliman is a Trust Officer for Commerce Bank and Trust in Topeka, Kansas for two years. "I really appreciate the support and confidence the people at Commerce Bank and Trust have given me; but most of all I would like to say thanks for the support from my supervisor, Mr. Kirk Johnson " he really has been great. From their actions, they have made it easier for me to focus on my mission here".

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 Aeschliman 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].

Aeschliman , who calls Topeka, Kan. his home, is the son of Eldon and Mary Jo Aeschliman. He is married to Robyn and has two children; Ryan and Regan.

USAR

• Date Taken: 07.11.2006
• Date Posted: 07.11.2006 13:53
• Story ID: 7122
• Location: IQ