Musco Lighting employee goes to the desert in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom

Courtesy Photo | Florida Governor Jeb Bush pauses for photo after chapel service with SGT Robert Mullins and SPC Jessica Kilgore, Iowa National Guard personnel currently deployed to Iraq.  

(UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)

07.11.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

SOUTHWEST ASIA - U.S. Army Iowa National Guard Sgt. Robert K. Mullins is currently deployed to Southwest Asia in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF), 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.

According to Mullins, adjusting to his guard family has been most challenging. "Living and working with everyone in this unit 24 hours a day, 7 days a week can sometimes become overwhelming while still being quite gratifying," he explained with a grin. "In spite of these challenges, however, Mullins said that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom makes up for any hardships that he 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.

In Southwest Asia, Mullins serves as administrative clerk for the 134th Medical Company, a job he loves. His duties range from managing pay for all unit personnel to processing personnel for leave during their deployment. Additionally, he acts as the mail clerk, equal opportunity representative, and weight control noncommissioned officer.

The Sgt. has served in the military for 16 years; this is his first deployment as a reservist. In his civilian occupation, Mullins is a welder-fabricator for Musco Lighting. According to Mullins, his supervisor understands the importance of the Guard and Reserve.
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 Mullins 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].

Mullins can't wait to get back to his civilian job. "I look forward to returning to work," he declared. "I have many friends there."

Mullins, who calls Muscatine, Iowa, his home, married Tracy four years ago and enjoys his blended family of four children - Abby Garkin - 21, Jackie Mullins - 19, Bridgette Mullins - 17, and Kate Mullins - 15. His gratitude to his wife is clear. "I want to thank my whole family, but especially my wife, Tracy. She has helped with my daughters, her stepdaughters, and has supported everything I have had to do," he explained. "Thanks to her, I can think about the mission here knowing things at home are taken care of."

ESGR

• Date Taken: 07.11.2006
• Date Posted: 07.11.2006 15:58
• Story ID: 7150
• Location: (UNDISCLOSED LOCATION)