Physical Education teacher's skills put to the test while leading soldiers in Iraq

Courtesy Photo | Major Jeff Williams (fourth from left) , commander, 134th Medical Company poses with Sgt. Maj. Thomas Butler, Gov. Daniels , SSG (NFN) Blakley and an unidentified officer. Blakely is a member of Williams's unit who was awarded the Purple Heart.  

IRAQ

05.08.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers, ESGR FWD Team

IRAQ - U.S. Army National Guard Maj. Jeffrey Williams of the 738th Area Support Medical Company (ASMC) is currently deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), the official name given to the military operation which is 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.

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, Williams serves as the Commander of the 738th ASMC, a unit tasked with providing level II healthcare to Multi National Corps-Iraq soldiers and civilians in the area of operations. When most soldiers can take a break, Williams" mind continues to process various responsibilities necessary for the success of his unit. Those responsibilities include everything from approving the design of the challenge coin to determining missions for the soldiers in his unit.

This dedicated teacher and former high school football coach has served in the military for 18 years and is completing his first deployment in a challenging area " Baghdad, Iraq. One of the things that keeps him going is the support of a caring employer who 'sends me students" letters," he explained. "I'm looking forward to working with students [again] and developing future leaders."

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 Williams 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].

Williams reflects on the support his civilian supervisor gave him before he left. "My employer honored me in front of the entire school and presented me with a school sweatshirt," he confirmed 'to help me remember them and where I came from."

Although Williams was born and raised in Anderson, Ind., he now calls Knox, Ind., his home, where he enjoys his community with his wife, Tara. His parents are Tim and Stephanie Williams of Anderson, Ind. and his wife's parents are Jim and Debbie McIntire and Nancy McIntire of Knox, Ind.

ESGR

• Date Taken: 05.08.2006
• Date Posted: 05.08.2006 16:36
• Story ID: 6298
• Location: IQ