Oklahoma Highway Patrolman guides Police Reform Directorate in Afghanistan

AFGHANISTAN

07.12.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Story by Sgt. 1st Class David McCrary
ESGR Forward Team

AFGHANISTAN - Oklahoma Army National Guard Col. Ricky Adams is currently deployed to Kabul, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, the official name given to military operations from Afghanistan to the Horn of Africa in support of the Global War on Terror.

"Being away from my family and the support of my loving wife has created challenges however, being part of Operation Enduring Freedom and The Global War on Terror helps make up for the hardships of deployment," Adams acknowledged.

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 Kabul, Afghanistan Adams serves as director of Afghan police reform. Adams is responsible for the reform of a 60,000-plus national police force. He has served in the military for 27 years; this is his first overseas deployment.

In his civilian occupation, Adams has served 20 years as an Oklahoma Highway Patrolman. He expressed gratitude for a supportive employer who is not only there for him but also for his family. "My employer worked with me so that I could serve my nation," he explained. "The Patrol strongly supports my wife and family as well."

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 Adams 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].

A man who joined the military out of a sense of duty to his nation, Adams reflected that military training and experiences bring something extra to one's civilian job. "Sometimes civilian employers don't totally understand the skill sets military members bring to their organizations," he stated. He went on to say that he is very proud to serve his country and be part of such an important mission in a time of war even though he looks forward to his return to his family and work. "I hope to return to my highway patrol job," he affirmed. "I'll be two years old and a lifetime wiser."

Adams and his wife of 28 years, Cathy, call Edmond, Okla., home. They have two children, Rikki and Kaitlyn. Adams is the son of Don and Glenna Adams of Elk City, Okla.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2006
• Date Posted: 07.12.2006 08:51
• Story ID: 7158
• Location: AF