Newberry High School paraprofessional 'Clears routes' while deployed to OIF

Courtesy Photo | Gov. Mark Sanford pauses for a photo with one of his troops, South Carolina Army National Guard Sgt. Eddie James Cockel, a paraprofessional at Newberry High School in Newberry, S.C. while visiting his troops in Tikrit, Iraq in June 2006.  

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 Sgt. Eddie James Cockel of the 122nd Engineer Company out of Saluda, S.C. is currently deployed to 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.

According to Cockel, family separation has presented the greatest challenge. In spite of these challenges, however, Cockel 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, Cockel serves as a combat engineer. His primary responsibility is to conduct route clearance missions. The sergeant has served in the military for 19 years; this is his first deployment overseas.

In his civilian occupation, Cockel has been a paraprofessional for Newberry School District working in the Newberry High School for 12 years. Cockel expressed appreciation for an employer he can count on. "My employer has supported me by sending letters from the students and sending emails to make sure I'm ok,"he explained.

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 Cockel 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].

Cockel pointed out that his military skills have benefited his civilian
employer as well. "The military has taught me, first and foremost, to take care of your people and the leadership training I've received has only made me a better employee with Newberry High School," he acknowledged. With a smile on his face, he asserted, "I feel great about returning to my civilian employment."

Cockel, who calls Newberry, S.C. his home, is married to Debra and they have six children: Alishia, Candie, Lashundra, Pisces, Edrick Jemarcus, and Ny' Shawn. "My family has supported me to the fullest," he reflected. "They have helped me keep my morale up with letters, cards, emails and all types of care packages," he further added. "They are my strength in my weak moments."

• Date Taken: 07.19.2006
• Date Posted: 07.19.2006 08:35
• Story ID: 7241
• Location: IQ