Va. Reserve soldier, Aramark employee deploys to OIF in Southwest Asia

Courtesy Photo | Army Reserve Spc. Darrell D. Frazier, a maintenance technician employed by Aramark in Arlington, Va., is currently deployed to Southwest Asia as a finance specialist with the Wis.-based 376th Finance Battalion, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF).  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

05.24.2006

Courtesy Story

DVIDS Hub       

Photo by Sgt. 1st Class David McCrary, ESGR FWD Team
Story by Spc. Jennifer E. Sardam, ESGR FWD Team

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Army Reserve Spc. Darrell D. Frazier is currently deployed to Southwest Asia as a finance specialist with the Wis.-based 376th Finance Battalion in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). OIF is the official name given to military operations assisting in rebuilding Iraq's economic and governmental infrastructure and 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.

Despite the challenges of being far from life at home, Frazier said "meeting a lot of people" during his time abroad has made it easier.

Active duty and reserve component members from all branches of the U.S. armed forces are deployed under the U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) to support the war against global terrorism outside the borders of the United States. USCENTCOM 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.

Stateside, Frazier also serves as a finance specialist with the 398th Finance Bn., Fort Belvoir, Va. With almost two years in the military, this is Frazier's first deployment as a Reserve soldier. In his civilian role, Frazier works for Aramark, his employer of three months before he was called up for the mobilization. At the company's location in Arlington, Va., he is a maintenance technician who specializes in cleaning airplanes.

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 Frazier 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].

Frazier mentioned that even though he received his orders two days before he had to leave, his boss Ronald, an Army veteran himself, was supportive.

Frazier, who calls Silver Spring, Md., home, plans to attend college and pursue a career as a personal trainer after his return.

ESGR, USAR

• Date Taken: 05.24.2006
• Date Posted: 05.24.2006 10:33
• Story ID: 6508
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)