Jindal praises troops, signs Five-Star Statement

Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Scott Longstreet | Gov. Bobby Jindal signs a Five-Star Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at Camp Beauregard on Oct. 14. The document signing was an opportunity to join employers from across the country in supporting Soldiers.  

UNITED STATES

11.20.2008

Story by Spc. Scott Longstreet 

Louisiana National Guard

By Spc. Scott D. Longstreet and Sgt. Tresa L. Allemang
Louisiana National Guard

PINEVILLE, La. – The Louisiana Army National Guard welcomed Gov. Bobby Jindal to Camp Beauregard for the symbolic signing of a document to show support for Soldiers. In front of Guardsmen, media, retired veterans, and Youth Challenge Program cadets, the governor signed the Five-Star Statement of Support for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve.

Praising the efforts of Louisiana Guardsmen during relief efforts for Hurricanes Gustav and Ike, Jindal said, "I am honored to be here today to support our National Guard and Reserve members in Louisiana. We know the sacrifices they make for our state and our country and I cannot say thank you enough."

The Five-Star Statement of Support is an agreement of support between the state and ESGR, an organization that promotes support for Soldiers and provides counseling and employment services for National Guard and Reserve Soldiers. ESGR's mission is to gain and maintain active support for Soldiers from all public and private employers.

"It is only fitting that we would come together to formalize our support for the service men and women who dedicate their lives to keeping us safe. We join employers all across the country and encourage others to do the same," Jindal said.

"It's just amazing, from the life-saving to the property-saving missions across the state, without exception, our Guard makes us proud," he continued.

The YCP cadets were in attendance to show support for the governor. Jindal addressed the cadets shortly after his document signing.

"I encourage you to try hard and make it though your training and become a vital member of this state. I also want you remain here in the state of Louisiana and join our National Guard program," he told the cadets.

Staff Sgt. Quincy Russell, from Lake Charles, La., a member of the 3rd Battalion, 156th Infantry Regiment of the 256th Infantry Brigade Combat Team in Lake Charles, La., is a drill cadre for the YCP cadets attending the ceremony.

"To see and meet the governor is a tremendous thing for these cadets. They are learning about discipline and tactics. They have been training for three and a half months and have only a month and a half left," Russell said.

Jack N. Humphries, state chairman of the Louisiana Committee for ESGR, preceded Jindal at the podium and offered thanks and gifts to the governor.

"We will continue to work with employers for the men and women who serve in the Louisiana Guard and Reserve forces. These young men and women deserve the utmost support," Humphries said.

Employers and Soldiers wishing to get more information on the ESGR program can go to http://www.esgr.org/aboutESGR.asp. Soldiers can also nominate outstanding employers for recognition at the sight.

• Date Taken: 11.20.2008
• Date Posted: 11.20.2008 21:28
• Story ID: 26607
• Location: US