City of Carlsbad welder ready to fire as force protection while deployed overseas

Courtesy Photo | N.M. Army National Guard Sergeant Abel Rodriquez, a welder for the City of Carlsbad in Carlsbad, NM is currently deployed to Qatar as force protection in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

QATAR

07.11.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

QATAR- N.M. Army National Guard Sgt. Abel Rodriquez is currently deployed to Qatar in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, the official name given to military operations assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure, training and preparing Iraqi military and security forces to assume full authority and responsibility in defending and preserving Iraq's sovereignty and independence as a democracy.

Being away from wife and children has proven difficult for this family man. In spite of these challenges, however, Rodriguez said that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom helps make up for any hardships that he may encounter. "I finally got to put all my training to use and serve my country just like my dad and my grandfather did," he stated.

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 Qatar, Rodriquez serves with the 111th Air Defense Artillery out of New Mexico as force protection for base compounds as well as ensuring the unit's nuclear, biological, and chemical equipment and training is up-to-date. The Sergeant has served in the military for 16 years; this is his first deployment overseas.
In his civilian occupation, Rodriquez is a welder doing maintenance work for the City of Carlsbad, N.M. Rodriquez, who has worked for the city for 14 years, indicated that he really enjoys the variety of work his job affords him.

He is also grateful for and misses the camaraderie of his shop who "gave him a come-home-soon, instead of a going-away party." Rodriquez further explained that he is thankful for both his employer and his supervisor, Albert Salcido, "who are really good to me." He pointed out that they continue his benefits, check to see if he is all right, and even drive by to see if his wife needs anything while he is deployed.

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 Rodriquez 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 Rodriquez, the military sets a person apart. "It's made me serious, flexible, and adaptable to change," qualities he happily brings back to his civilian employer.

Rodriquez and his wife, Michelle, call Carlsbad, N.M., home. They enjoy their blended family of five children; Jonathan, Peanut, Cassandra, Trinity, and Xander. Rodriquez paused, then announced, "My wife is my inspiration! "She keeps me sane by sending me cards and talking to me on the phone."

ESGR

• Date Taken: 07.11.2006
• Date Posted: 07.11.2006 16:06
• Story ID: 7153
• Location: QA