General Electric engineer puts skills to the test while deployed to OIF

Courtesy Photo | Gov. Mark Sanford, S.C., shares a moment with citizen - General Electric engineer, soldier - South Carolina Army National Guard Army Capt. Terry Meyer, company commander of the 122nd Engineer Company out of Saluda, S.C and one of his soldiers.  

IRAQ

07.19.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers
ESGR Forward Team

IRAQ - South Carolina Army National Guard Capt. Terry Meyer is currently deployed to Iraq 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.

Separation from family and friends has presented quite a challenge for this family man. In spite of these challenges, however, Meyer said that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom helps to make 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 Iraq, Meyer serves as company commander of the 122nd Engineer Company. His responsibilities range from being responsible for the safety and well-being of his soldiers to ensuring that their family and friends are always informed in their soldiers" absence. The captain has served in the military for 10 years; this is his first deployment overseas.

In his civilian occupation, Meyer has worked as a quality engineer for General Electric for four years. "My employer has been great!" he declared. His gratitude to both his employer, and his supervisor, Joe Rae, was evident. "My employer is one of the best in assisting with deployed soldiers," he explained. "For example, they made up the difference between civilian base pay and military base pay" so his family wouldn't suffer a deficit.

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 Meyer 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].

Meyer pointed out that he has learned many things during this deployment. "From this experience, I will bring an improved ability to handle stress and multi-tasking back to my employer," said Meyer. Although Meyer is proud to serve his country, he is looking forward to returning to his family and his job.

Meyer and his wife of eight years, Tuana, call Greer, S.C. home. They have three children: Stephen, Larry and Shanelle. According to Meyer, "I could not ask for a more supportive and loving family during this separation."

• Date Taken: 07.19.2006
• Date Posted: 07.19.2006 08:53
• Story ID: 7243
• Location: IQ