Courtesy Photo | Gov. Mark Sanford, S.C., pauses for photo on back patio of the Joint Visitors Bureau...... read more read more
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by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers
ESGR Forward Team
IRAQ - Kansas National Guard Spc. Gerald Henderson out of Headquarters and Headquarters Co., 35th ID in Leavenworth 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.
According to this dedicated family man, the hardest part of this deployment is being away from his family. "My family is very caring and supportive of this deployment," he stated. "They have shown me that I need them as much as they need me." He further added, "I wouldn't be able to deal with this deployment without their love and support." In spite of these challenges, however, Henderson 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, Henderson is attached to Company B, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry Brigade where he serves as a hospitality noncommissioned officer at the Joint Visitors" Bureau. He is a part of the primary security detail for distinguished visitors at Camp Victory, Iraq. The specialist has served in the military for 14 years; this is his first deployment overseas.
Henderson, an employee of Pioneer Financial Service (Military Lending) for one year, is a collection specialist. He is responsible for collecting money due from military loans. Henderson praised his employer for their support. "They support my wife by calling to see how she is doing, gave her a webcam so we can stay in touch, and send me care packages," he said.
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 Henderson 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 (800) 336-4590.
Henderson plans to return to Pioneer Financial Services. "My employer has supported me and keeps me informed about company happenings," he pointed out. "I will definitely return." He believes his company will benefit from the people skills gained during this deployment. This job "has helped me deal with people and work situations good and bad," he reflected.
Although Henderson is proud of the opportunity he's had to serve his country, he is looking forward to returning to his family and his work in the United States.
Henderson, who calls Kansas City, Mo. his home, is married to Lois Henderson and has three children, Sara Slater, Xavier Henderson, and Deja Henderson.
| Date Taken: | 07.21.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 07.21.2006 11:47 |
| Story ID: | 7264 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 137 |
| Downloads: | 82 |
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