Maryland Reserve soldier, Baltimore CHDU officer deploys to Southwest Asia

Courtesy Photo | Army Reserve Sgt. Danila L. Jones, a correctional officer for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, working in Baltimore, is currently deployed to Southwest Asia. She is serving there as a finance specialist with the Wisconsin-based 376th Finance Battalion, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.11.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

SOUTHWEST ASIA - Army Reserve Sgt. Danila L. Jones is currently deployed to Southwest Asia as a finance specialist with the Wisconsin-based 376th Finance Battalion. Jones is serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, 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 home and family, Jones said having 'the support of other soldiers" makes 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 to support the war against global terrorism outside the borders of the United States.

The unified command USCENTCOM is 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.

When she is stateside, Jones serves as a finance specialist in the 5115th Garrison Support Unit, 99th Reserve Support Command at Fort George G. Meade, Md. With 18 years in the military, this is her first deployment as a reservist. In her civilian occupation, Jones is a correctional officer (sergeant) in Baltimore for the Maryland Department of Public Safety and Correctional Services, where she has worked for 12 years. In her role with the department's Central Home Detention Unit, she "conducts home checks on inmates and ensures the safety of the public."

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 Jones 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].

The noncommissioned officer said the support from her employer has also helped lessen the hardships of being mobilized. "They gave me time off [before the deployment]," she said, "and even sent me care packages."

Jones, who calls Baltimore home, is the daughter of Paulette M. Jones, also of Baltimore.

ESGR, USAR

• Date Taken: 07.11.2006
• Date Posted: 07.11.2006 15:17
• Story ID: 7142
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)