Home Depot employee transports 'goods' in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Courtesy Photo | Ala. Army National Guard Sgt. Ricky Fansler, an employee with Home Depot's receiving department out of Hoover, Ala. greets S.C. Gov. Mark Sanford and Army Maj. Gen. Sumrall, while on deployment to Kuwait as a motor transport operator in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

KUWAIT

07.12.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Story by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers, ESGR Forward Team

KUWAIT - Alabama Army National Guard Sgt. Ricky A. Fansler, Jr. is currently deployed to Camp Arifjan, Kuwait 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.

According to Fansler, the most difficult part of this deployment has been the separation from his family. "I love and miss my wife and kids," he declared. In spite of these challenges, however, Fansler said that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom helps makes up for any hardships that he may encounter.

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 Kuwait, Fansler serves as a motor transport operator. His responsibilities may include supervising or operating wheel vehicles to transport personnel and cargo from one area to another. The sergeant has served in the military for 10 years; this is his first deployment overseas. In his civilian occupation, Fansler has worked with Home Depot's receiving department out of Hoover, Ala. for two years. Fansler indicated that he is grateful for his employer's support and is looking forward to returning to work when he gets back home.

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 Fansler 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 Fansler, this deployment made him realize how much freedom he has back home in the United States. "Little things will be more precious when I return home," he reflected. He pointed out that he was grateful for the opportunity to serve his country but can't wait to get back home to his family and work with The Home Depot in Hoover, Ala.

Fansler and his wife of eight years, Donna, call Hoover, Ala. their home. They are the proud parents of two children, Shyenne and Gabe.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2006
• Date Posted: 07.12.2006 09:41
• Story ID: 7163
• Location: KW