Heartland Door and Window Installer protecting distinguished visitors overseas OIF

Courtesy Photo | Kansas National Guard Staff Sgt. Jason Oesterreich, an installer for Heartland Door and Window Company in Topeka, Kan. is currently deployed to Camp Victory, Iraq as a hospitality noncommissioned officer with B Company, 2nd Battalion, 137th Infantry in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

IRAQ

07.21.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers
ESGR Forward Team

IRAQ -- Kansas National Guard Staff Sgt. Jason A. Oesterreich out of the 995th Maintenance Company in Smith Center, Kan. 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 Oesterreich, the most difficult part of this deployment has been the family separation. In spite of these challenges, however, Oesterreich , the son-in-law of Harold Lane, state representative, indicated that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom and seeing the Iraqi People transition to democracy helps to make it all worth it.

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, Oesterreich serves as a hospitality noncommissioned officer at the Joint Visitors" Bureau. His responsibilities revolve around the housing and protection of distinguished visitors. The Staff Sergeant has served in the military for 15 years; this is his first deployment overseas.

Oesterreich, employed by Heartland Door and Window Company as an installer for the last two years, works out of Topeka, Kan. Oesterreich expressed gratitude for an employer who is "always understanding of time requirements that my duty necessitates." He pointed out that his employer helps him feel connected. "They keep me in touch with home by sending me work newsletters and emails," 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 Oesterreich 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].

This soldier will return to his civilian job as an all-around asset to his employer after this deployment because he has been resolving the needs of distinguished guests as well as ensuring any maintenance issues are corrected. Although Oesterreich is thankful for the opportunity to serve his country, he is looking forward to returning to his family, community and job. "My employer has always supported me and tried to keep me informed and tied to my community back home," he reflected. "I greatly anticipate returning to work."

Oesterreich and his wife of four years, Laurie, call Topeka, Kan. home and are the proud parents of three children: Evan, Ryan, and their newest addition due Nov. 4th. Oesterreich pointed out, "I cannot stress enough how much my family has supported me during this deployment." With a faraway look in his eyes, he stated, "Suffice it to say that my presence here would not be possible without my family's unfaltering love and support."

• Date Taken: 07.21.2006
• Date Posted: 07.21.2006 13:00
• Story ID: 7270
• Location: IQ