City of Cumberland lifeguard keeps watch over finances in Southwest Asia

Courtesy Photo | Army Reserve Spc. Elizabeth Ahneman from Cumberland Wis. is serving in Kuwait.  

KUWAIT

05.24.2006

Courtesy Story

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

KUWAIT - U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Elizabeth Ahneman 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.

"I miss my family " parents, grandparents, nieces, and nephews," Ahneman explained. "I have a large, immediate family." In spite of these challenges, however, she said that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom makes up for any hardships that she 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.

"Being deployed has given me a lot of confidence," Ahneman pointed out with conviction radiating from her eyes. In Kuwait, Ahneman serves as finance and accounting specialist with the Army's 376th Finance Battalion, helping troops with pay issues.

The Army specialist, who joined as a result of a cold call from a recruiter, has served in the military for three years and this is her first deployment as a reservist.

In her civilian occupation, Ahneman is a life guard for the City of Cumberland Parks and Recreation Department when she isn't busy studying for her classes at the University of Wisconsin - River Falls. She has worked as a life guard for three years and plans on returning to the job at the end of this tour. Ahneman added, "They were supportive of my deployment and gave me time off to get ready for my departure."

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 Ahneman 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].

"I believe that the attention to detail, discipline, and time management I have learned in the military helps me in college and makes me a better employee in the civilian workforce," confirmed Ahneman.

Elizabeth, who calls Cumberland, Wis., her home, is the daughter of Janice and Todd Ahneman also of Cumberland. "My family has been so supportive," she reflected, "Although there have been some rough times at home [since I was deployed], they've included me through emails, phone calls, and care packages, even though I'm so far away

ESGR, USAR

• Date Taken: 05.24.2006
• Date Posted: 05.24.2006 10:02
• Story ID: 6499
• Location: KW