Sanmina-SCI buyer deploys to support Operation Enduring Freedom

Courtesy Photo | Joe Ramirez, a buyer for Sanmina-SCI, Inc., in Austin Texas, is deployed to Navy Central Command Headquarters in Bahrain to support Operation Enduring Freedom  

BAHRAIN

07.21.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Lt. Col. Martin Moerschell
ESGR Forward

BAHRAIN - Navy reservist, Petty Officer 1st Class Joe Ramirez a Sanmina-SCI employee, is currently deployed to Navy Central Command in Bahrain in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the official name given to military operations from Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa in support of the Global War on Terror.

"Being so far away from home and family and missing the daily activities I enjoy has been difficult," voiced Ramirez. In spite of these challenges, however, Ramirez said that being part of Operation Enduring Freedom makes up for many of the hardships that he encounters.

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.

At Navy Central Command, Ramirez serves as an Information Technology specialist where he oversees the purchase and installation of all computer equipment for Navy offices throughout the theater. The petty officer has served in the military for 26 years and this is his eighth deployment; his first in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In his civilian occupation, Ramirez is a buyer for Sanmina-SCI, in Austin Texas. He purchases semi-conductors and other materials required to manufacture microprocessors. He has been with Sanmina-SCI for one year and he is very happy with the way the company treats not only him but other members in the reserve component. "Sanmina-SCI allows me to take the necessary time away from work that I need to fulfill my military obligations freely.

While deployed, my company has sent several e-mails to see how I am doing and ask if there is anything they can do to help me here as well as my wife and children at home. Now that's great support!" exclaimed Ramirez. "Without their support, I could not be here today contributing to America's effort towards the Global War on Terrorism," said Ramirez.

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 Ramirez 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].

"I enjoy serving in the Navy -- I've seen and learned a lot over the years. It's a good feeling to serve our country, and one of the most important things I've learned is the importance of team work. I work well with others, and the team workings skills I've developed in the military are something I am able to share in my workplace with Sanmina-SCI," said Ramirez.

Ramirez, who calls Pflugerville, Texas his home, is married to Gracie. They have two children, Joseph and Olivia.

• Date Taken: 07.21.2006
• Date Posted: 07.21.2006 13:07
• Story ID: 7271
• Location: BH