Courtesy Photo | Army Reserve Maj. Steven Phillips, an office engineer for Hensel Phelps Construction...... read more read more
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By Sgt. 1st Class David McCrary, ESGR Forward Team
IRAQ - Army Reserve Maj. Steven Phillips is currently deployed to Baghdad, Iraq 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.
Being away from family and friends has proven to be the greatest challenge for this operations officer. In spite of these challenges, however, Phillips indicated that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom helps make up for the hardships of deployment.
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 Iraq, Phillips serves as an operation officer for the 539th Military Police Detachment. The major has served in the military for seventeen years; this is his second overseas deployment. In his civilian occupation, Phillips is an office engineer for Hensel Phelps Construction Company where he has been employed for six years. "HPCC has been incredibly supportive and understanding throughout this deployment," stated Phillips.
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 Phillips 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 (800) 336-4590.
According to Phillips, his military training and deployment experiences have taught him patience and problem solving skills that are useful in his civilian job as well. Although he is proud to serve his country, he looks forward to getting back to his family, friends and work back home.
Phillips, who calls San Jose, Calif., his home, is the son of Ginger Phillips of Palm Springs, Calif.
USAR, ESGR
| Date Taken: | 07.11.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 07.11.2006 15:41 |
| Story ID: | 7148 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 38 |
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