Federal law gives Reservists right to return to civilian job

Dick Benoit

Thursday, Oct. 11, 2001 | 8:29 a.m.

Federal law protects the jobs of National Guard members and Reservists who have been activated or who have volunteered for homeland defense, according to a volunteer group that recognizes employers who support Reserve and Guard members on their payroll.

The Uniformed Services Employment and Re-employment Rights Act of 1994 gives active and reserve people the right to go back to the civilian job they held prior to military service, said Manny Escobedo, executive director of the Nevada Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

"The member must have held the civilian job prior to entering active duty," said Maj. William Youngblood, Reserve judge advocate, Air Force legal assistance division at the Pentagon. "They must also give notice of the active-duty commitment prior to leaving the civilian position and be gone for a total time of less than five years."

The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve provides representatives who mediate re-employment issues between military people and their civilian employers. ESGR can be reached at (800) 336-4590 or (703) 696-1400. In addition, its website (esgr.org) provides tips for Reservists and employers.

Cheyenne grad fights fires

Dennis Mente, a 1998 Cheyenne High School graduate, is performing well in his duties as a light wheel vehicle mechanic, Army officials at Fort Lewis, Wash., report.

"I work on Humvee multipurpose vehicles, 5-ton trucks, and trailers," said the private, who is the son of Dion and Sun Hoi Mente of Las Vegas. The private also works with a chemical decontamination unit.

In late August Mente deployed along with 500 other soldiers from Fort Lewis, Wash., to help fight wildfires in northeastern Washington. "We dug trenches and looked for hot spots to help contain the fires. It felt really good to help the people keep fires from starting up around their houses," he said.

Other Southern Nevada military personnel passing milestones in their careers:

During the six weeks of training, the new airmen studied the Air Force mission, organization, and customs, human relations, and earned credits toward an associate degree through the Community College of the Air Force.