Bank of America sends one of its own to manage finances in Southwest Asia

Courtesy Photo | Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Holly McCausland serves with the 376th Finance Battalion while deployed to Kuwait. Her civilian career is with Bank of America - Home Focus in Tampa, Fla.  

KUWAIT

07.11.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Story by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers
ESGR Forward Team

KUWAIT - Army Reserve Staff Sgt. Holly McCausland out of the 7222nd Medical Support Unit in Tampa, Fla. 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.

A woman totally dedicated to her family faced not only the challenge of separation to those she holds most dear but also the hardship of finding her niche in a unit that had already been mobilized for six months. To her credit, she is successfully handling both these challenges and believes that being a part of Operation Iraqi Freedom helps make up for the hardships. "I'm glad to be a part of it [OIF]," she emphasized with a bright smile. "I'm very proud."

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, McCausland serves as a "floater" in the finance office for the 376th Finance Battalion. In that role, she sits with a soldier who is due a rest and recuperation break, learns the job, and fills it during their absence. Although the Staff Sergeant has served in the military for 25 years, this is her first deployment overseas.

In her civilian occupation, McCausland is a real estate underwriter with the Bank of America, a job she loves. Her responsibilities are similar to those of a loan officer in that she reviews and researches loan packages then makes a decision for approval. McCausland sings her employer's praises. "The group I work with is just wonderful!" she stated. "They planned a big breakfast for me, my kids, and my husband before I left." She further explained with her bright smile, "They send me care packages with calling cards, stationery, and snacks that I share with others in the unit."

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 Harris 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 McCausland, her military training and leadership skills as well as her civilian training and experiences are mutually beneficial. She looks forward to returning to her work and friends at Bank of America who care so much. "Even my boss emails me while I'm here," she affirmed with a smile.

Holly, who calls St. Petersburg, Fla. her home, is married to Scott McCausland with whom she will celebrate their first anniversary from afar. They share a blended family of five children: Shane McCausland " 15, Kalie McCausland " 14, Mackenzie Joiner " 12, Sydney Joiner " 9, and Sarah McCausland " 9.

USAR

• Date Taken: 07.11.2006
• Date Posted: 07.11.2006 14:32
• Story ID: 7130
• Location: KW