Solutia, Inc. employee 'takes care of troops' while serving in OIF

Courtesy Photo | S.C. Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Carzell Lott employed with Solutia, Inc. in Saluda, S.C. listens as soldiers explain their mission to Gov. Mark Sanford, S.C., during his June 2006 visit to his units deployed overseas.  

IRAQ

07.19.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers
ESGR Forward Team

IRAQ - South Carolina Army National Guard 1st Sgt. Carzell Lott out of the 122nd Engineering Company, Saluda, S.C., is currently deployed to Tikrit, Iraq 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.

Lott reflected upon his greatest challenges. "Leaving home for such a long period of time and enduring the heat in this part of the world have been the hardest part of this deployment," Lott stated. In spite of these challenges, however, Lott said that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom helps to make 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 Iraq, Lott is the first sergeant for the 122nd Engineering Company. He is responsible for taking care of the needs of his soldiers which range from morale to unresolved pay issues. Carzell has served in the military for 35 years; this is his first deployment overseas.

In his civilian occupation, Lott has provided mechanical and electrical support at Solutia, Inc. for eight years. He expressed gratitude for his employer's support. "By having a job I'm sure I can return to, I feel great about getting back home to work," he said.

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 Lott 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].

Although Lott was drafted into the military in 1970, he was motivated to continue his career for the friendships and the experiences gained in being part of the largest team in the world. He pointed out that the safety training acquired and the disciplines he must practice cause him to better serve as a civilian employee.

Lott, who calls Saluda, S.C. home, is married to Laverne Lott and has two children. Lott is appreciative of his supportive family. "My family supports me in every way they can and they are ready for me to come home."

• Date Taken: 07.19.2006
• Date Posted: 07.19.2006 08:28
• Story ID: 7240
• Location: IQ