The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense office that promotes cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers. Employers can participate in the Statement of Support Program to show and maintain their support of their employees who serve while also working. In addition, events are held to help bridge possible gaps of experiences between employers and employees who serve in the Reserve. Many companies participate, including TowHaul, a mining equipment company.
This year TowHaul participated in a “Boss lift,” an ESGR event in which nominated employers experience a flight in a helicopter, specifically a Montana Army National Guard helicopter in the case of TowHaul. Experiences like this raise awareness and understanding, and Boss lifts highlight the military training inherent in the military employees. Employers are exposed to the training that guardsmen and reservists go through during periods of service. Supporting our troops both here and abroad is a part of the mining industry, and ESGR is one way to demonstrate that support.