Wold Engineering civil engineer "designs and supervises" route clearance in OIF

IRAQ

07.25.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers
ESGR Forward Team

IRAQ – Army National Guard 1st Lt. Kris Neset, a civil engineer with Wold Engineering, P.C., in Minot, N.D., is currently deployed to Balad, 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.

"Being away from family is the hardest part of this deployment," said Neset. In spite of these challenges, however, Neset indicated 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 Balad, Iraq, Neset serves as platoon leader for Company A, 164th Engineer Battalion. His team is responsible for conducting route clearance on alternate supply routes and main supply routes for safe passage. The first lieutenant has served in the military for 11 years; this is his first deployment overseas.

Neset, employed by Wold Engineering, P.C., as a civil engineer for the last four years, works out of Minot, N.D. He designs and supervises water, sewer, storm sewer, and street construction projects as well as site developments. He expressed appreciation for his employer's support.

According to Neset, "they are holding my position for me," so he can focus on his mission overseas. He further stated, "They have sent emails, letters, etc. to me," all support that keeps a soldier's morale up and ready for service.

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 Neset 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].

Neset, who joined the North Dakota Army National Guard as a result of the influence from his best friend's dad, a recruiter, finds his Army training is beneficial. "From this experience, I will bring additional leadership skills back to my employer," said Neset. Although Neset is proud to serve his country, he looks forward to meeting his daughter for the first time, spending time with his wife, and returning to work.

Neset and his wife of five years, Cheri, call Minot, N.D., home and are the proud parents of their six-month-old daughter, Leah.

• Date Taken: 07.25.2006
• Date Posted: 07.25.2006 13:26
• Story ID: 7305
• Location: IQ