Airport group pledges to support Guard, Reserves

Dick Benoit

Thursday, April 3, 2003 | 9:01 a.m.

Dr. Ray Mundy, executive director of the Air Ground Transportation Association, joined Dixie Allsbrook, chairwoman for the Nevada Committee for Support of the Guard and Reserve, and Kevin Hall, global partnerships manager for the national committee, to sign a statement of support on behalf of the association's members who have employees in the National Guard and Reserves.

The signing took place during the association's national conference last week at Treasure Island.

Many industries and organizations associated with air travel have been hurt by the events of Sept. 11. Airport managers from around the United States were represented at the signing.

By signing a support statement, employers recognize the National Guard and Reserve as essential components to the strength of the nation and the well-being of American communities. Employers also pledge that mobilized National Guard and Reserve employees will have job and career opportunities available upon their return. Employers also pledge that employee absences for military training and service in the National Guard or Reserve, consistent with existing laws, will be without sacrifice of vacation time.

The success of the nation's defense is dependent on the availability of highly trained members of the "total force." Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's mission is to obtain employer and community support to ensure the availability and readiness of Reserve forces.

For more information about ESGR, please visit their website at www.esgr.com.

National Guard Museum

Travelers to the nation's capital can now add a new point of historical interest to their sightseeing itinerary. A new museum documenting the history of the National Guard, the oldest military organization in the country, opened March 17.

The National Guard Memorial Museum is located at One Massachusetts Ave., N.W., one block west of Union Station. The museum occupies 5,600 square feet of the lower level of the National Guard Association of the United States.

This first national museum dedicated to the National Guard displays and artifacts highlight the history and mission of the colonial militia and the modern Army and Air National Guard. It has exhibit areas featuring the citizen-soldier serving in the homeland defense and in conflicts and peacekeeping missions around the world. Every state and U.S. territory is represented in the museum.

In brief

All five of the new Marines ended the training phase with The Crucible, a 54-hour team effort, problem solving evolution that culminated with an emotional ceremony in which the recruits were presented the Marine Corps Emblem, and were addressed as "Marines" for the first time.