Matheson-Trigas in Albuquerque makes time for mobilizing employee to prepare

Photo By Sgt. Jennifer Sardam | Staff Sgt. Dan T. Cordova a member of the 2-200th Air Defense Artillery (ADA),111th ADA Battalion located in Rio Rancho, N.M., prepares to start his shift during his deployment to Qatar as part of the Global war on Terror.  

DOHA, QATAR

03.17.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

By Spc. Jennifer Sardam
USCENTCOM Public Affairs/ESGR Forward Team

DOHA, Qatar - Matheson-Trigas, the civilian employer of U.S. Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Dan T. Cordova, a supply sergeant in the 111th Air Defense Artillery, did more for him than he ever expected. "They stepped up to the plate," he said.

When Cordova is not busy serving his country, he works full time for Matheson out of Albuquerque, N.M., as a hazardous materials truck driver.

Cordova likes his job because of its flexible schedule. "It's the hours," he said. "We get our deliveries, and it's on our own schedule [and] up to us to get them done. So if I want to have lunch with my wife, I can," added Cordova, who got married just three months before he left. According to him, time off was never a problem even after he knew he was being mobilized, because his boss, Rocky Sanchez, always accommodated him.

At home with the 111th in Rio Rancho, N.M., Cordova maintains the supply room and receives and distributes any equipment coming in, such as military uniforms, equipment and office supplies. Currently, he is the noncommissioned officer in charge of moving the traffic control barriers for security forces in Qatar deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) under U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM).

Central Command's mission includes enhancing regional stability and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to regional security. CENTCOM is also responsible for executing the Global War on Terror in its assigned area of responsibility (AOR), which includes Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa.

OIF began with the liberation of Iraq in 2003, and has resulted in two democratic elections, a constitutional referendum and the development of a professional Iraqi security force. In partnership with the Iraqi government, the coalition forces are helping the Iraqi people defeat terrorists and build an inclusive democratic state. The Coalition Forces, to include the Iraqi army, are conducting full-spectrum counter-insurgency operations to isolate and neutralize the former regime extremists and foreign terrorists. Coalition forces organize, train and equip Iraqi security forces, in order to create a secure environment that allows the reconstruction process to continue.

Other important USCENTCOM activities include humanitarian and security assistance programs, as well as combined training and education opportunities for military members in AOR nations.

With 13 years in the military, Cordova is no stranger to deployments, having previously visited a total of 38 countries while he was on active duty with the U.S. Navy.

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, commonly known as USERRA, allows Cordova and other mobilized military members to retain their rights to return to their civilian jobs following a deployment. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. 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. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 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, ESGR will continue to be the information agency for the employers of America's new Minutemen. 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].

• Date Taken: 03.17.2006
• Date Posted: 03.17.2006 09:57
• Story ID: 5766
• Location: DOHA, QA