Army Spc., student travels from Indiana Beach to the lowlands of Afghanistan

Courtesy Photo | Army National Guard Spc. Emily Bush is currently deployed to Camp Eggers in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.  

KABUL, AFGHANISTAN

05.08.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers, ESGR Forward Team

KABUL, Afghanistan - Army National Guard Spc. Emily Bush is currently deployed to Camp Eggers in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the official name given to military operations in Afghanistan or the Horn of Africa in support of the Global War on Terror.

According to Bush, joining the military was something she always wanted to do and it carries the rewards anticipated. "It helped me physically by getting me in the best shape I've ever been in," she affirmed. "Emotionally, I have gained tremendous confidence."

Being part of Operation Enduring Freedom allows her to know she is part of something important. "My family and friends know I'm doing something great," she said, "and people I don't even know send us care packages so that reminds us that we are not forgotten."

Active duty and reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces are deployed under the U.S. Central Command to support the war against global terrorism outside the borders of the United States. U.S. Central Command is the unified command responsible for U.S. security interests and assets in 27 nations stretching from the Horn of Africa, through the Arabian Gulf region, and into Central Asia.

In Kabul, Bush serves as an administrative assistant within the 219th Area Support Group. Her responsibilities include duties from updating databases to acting as vehicle escort. The Spc. has served in the military one year; this is her first deployment as a guardsperson.

Bush spends her summers working at Indiana Beach to offset college expenses since she is a full-time student. Her days are busy managing rides and working in the restaurant.

Today, more than 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. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is the primary resource for information about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, commonly known as USERRA. This federal law allows Bush and other mobilized reserve component members to retain their rights, when the deployment concludes.

Established in 1972, Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a DoD agency, provides free USERRA education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. 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. 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].

According to Bush, she is grateful not only for the Army's educational benefits but also the appreciation she gained for family and country [as a result of her training]. "I've grown up a lot and become thankful for all that I've got," she explained.

Bush, who calls Francesville, Ind. her home is the daughter of Leila G. Spickerman of Worden, Ill. and Daniel R. Bush of Lafayette, Ind.

ESGR

• Date Taken: 05.08.2006
• Date Posted: 05.08.2006 17:03
• Story ID: 6303
• Location: KABUL, AF