Intelligence officer deploys to Bahrain in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

IRAQ

07.25.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Lt. Col. Martin Moerschell
ESGR Forward

BAHRAIN - U.S. Navy reservist Cmdr. Kenneth Kirkland is currently deployed to Naval 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.

"I would say the most difficult part of being deployed is being so far away from family, and missing the daily activities I enjoy is the most difficult part of any deployment," expressed Kirkland. In spite of these challenges, however, Kirkland 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 Naval Central Command Headquarters, Kirkland serves as Maritime Interdiction Operations Chief, where he assists in deterring and denying terrorists the use of inner costal waterways. The Commander has served in the military for 24 years, and this is his first deployment as a reservist supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In his civilian occupation, Kirkland, who has worked for the Department of Defense as an Intelligence Officer for the past three years, provides support to the Office of the Secretary of Defense as an intelligence analyst. "I've never had any problems at all from my office when it comes to me fulfilling my military obligations – no matter if it's scheduled annual training or a deployment like this one,' said Kirkland. "I truly enjoy my work environment. The office staff is very supportive to the employees with military commitments," expressed Kirkland.

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 Kirkland 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].

Military service is no stranger to the Kirkland household. His father made a career in the Army and his brother served 10 years in the Air Force and then another 10 years in the Air National Guard, from which he retired as a Captain. Kirkland joined the Navy in 1982, to become a Russian linguist and travel around the world with his bride.

"One thing I can say about my military career is that the skills and professionalism I've learned over the years have always helped my civilian job performance," said Kirkland.

Kirkland, who calls Madison, Ala. his home, is married to the former Kay Terrell of Harvest, Ala. At the end of this year, they will celebrate 24-years of marriage. They have three children: Kyleen, Svannah and Kristine. A proud husband and father, when asked about his family Kirkland, replied, "They are my greatest joy, my reason for living."

• Date Taken: 07.25.2006
• Date Posted: 07.25.2006 13:15
• Story ID: 7303
• Location: IQ