CSN technician using computer skills to resolve pay issues in Southwest Asia

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Reservist Sgt. Daniel Autrey is serving in Kuwait with the Army's 376th Finance Battalion.  

KUWAIT

05.24.2006

Courtesy Story

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Story and Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David McCrary, ESGR FWD Team

KUWAIT - U.S. Army Reserve Sgt. Daniel Autrey from the 320th Postal Company out of Cincinnati, Ohio is currently deployed to Kuwait 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.

Although Autrey joined the military to serve his country, the impact of being away from his family is strongly felt. "You definitely feel like half of you of you is gone while you're here," he declared. In spite of these challenges, however, Daniel affirmed that being part of the Global war On Terror helps 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 Kuwait, Autrey is assigned to the 376th Finance Battalion, Detachment 10, as a military pay noncommissioned officer. His responsibilities include inprocessing soldiers after leave and resolving pay problems. The Sergeant has served in the military for ten years; this is his first deployment outside the United States. In his civilian occupation, Autrey is a computer technician for Computer Service Now where he has worked for two years.

Autrey expressed appreciation for an employer who has been very supportive and helpful throughout his deployment and even gave him a going away party before he left.

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 Autrey 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].

According to Autrey, working with the military, especially during this deployment, has helped him become a better person and a better employee for Computer Service Now.

Autrey, who calls Middletown, Ohio, his home, has been married to his wife, Tracy, for five years and is the proud father of their 7-month old son, Samuel.

ESGR, USAR

• Date Taken: 05.24.2006
• Date Posted: 05.24.2006 09:21
• Story ID: 6491
• Location: KW