Illinois National Guard member supports OIF with hospital work

Courtesy Photo | Army Reservist Spc. Julie Harry, supply specialist. with C-205th Area Support Medical Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, based under U.S. Central Command.  

QATAR

02.24.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

By SMSgt. Darenda Rogers
CENTCOM Public Affairs/ESGR Forward Team

QATAR - "Working with local nationals has given me a different perspective of life" states Spc. Julie Harry, supply specialist with C-205th Area Support Medical Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), based under U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM).

USCENTCOM, located at MacDill Air Force Base, Tampa, Fla., is the unified command responsible for U.S. security interests in 27 nations that stretch from the Horn of Africa (HOA) through the Arabian Gulf region, into Central Asia. USCENTCOM is one of nine unified commands in the Department of Defense (DOD).

Central Command's mission includes enhancing regional stability and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to regional security. CENTCOM is also responsible for executing the Global War on Terror in its assigned area of responsibility (AOR), which includes Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa (HOA). Other important USCENTCOM activities include humanitarian and security assistance programs, as well as combined training and education opportunities for military members in AOR nations.

Operation Iraqi Freedom began with the liberation of Iraq in 2003 and has resulted in two democratic elections, a constitutional referendum and the development of a professional Iraqi security force. In partnership with the Iraqi government, the coalition forces are helping the Iraqi people defeat terrorists and build an inclusive democratic state. The Coalition Forces, to include the Iraqi Army, are conducting full-spectrum counter-insurgency operations to isolate and neutralize the former regime extremists and foreign terrorists. Coalition forces organize, train, and equip Iraqi security forces, in order to create a secure environment that allows the reconstruction process to continue.

"They want what we offer them " freedom, luxuries, etc. but they don't want us here. I give them a lot of respect for working with us even though they wish they could work on their own," Spc. Harry noted as she considered how her decision to join the National Guard has already impacted her life.

Harry pointed out "I didn't mind giving my time to the National Guard because it was almost definite that we would come out here." As a result of her service, another benefit is education. "Since I want to go to college without getting school loans, the GI Bill will afford me that opportunity for my service" so she will only need to work part-time with her employer Sam's Club, of Naperville, Ill. "who is very flexible with her school schedule." Not only that, 'the people are GREAT!" she enthusiastically reports. "The best part is that I get paid to do my hobby " photography."

The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, commonly referred to as USERRA, allows Harry and other mobilized military members to retain their rights to return to their employers following a deployment. Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. 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. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary, mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.

As the 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, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of America's new Minutemen. 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].

• Date Taken: 02.24.2006
• Date Posted: 02.24.2006 13:17
• Story ID: 5497
• Location: QA