University of Iowa - Cambus dispatcher cares for patients while deployed to OIF

Courtesy Photo | Fla. Gov. Jeb Bush paused for a photo with Iowa Army National Guard Sgt. Robert Mullins and Spc. Jessica Kilgore (right), a dispatcher for University of Iowa -- Cambus, in Iowa City, Iowa, while visiting Iraq in April 2006.  

IRAQ

07.12.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

Story by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers, ESGR Forward Team

IRAQ - Iowa Army National Guard Spc. Jessica Kilgore 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.

According to Kilgore, "the hardest part of this deployment has been the extended separation from my husband." She explained, "His tour ended just before mine began." In spite of these challenges, however, Kilgore said that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom helps make up for any hardships that she 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 Iraq, Kilgore serves as a health care specialist. She is responsible for providing routine medical care to sick and wounded soldiers and civilians in a clinical setting. The specialist has served in the military for four years; this is her first deployment overseas.

In her civilian occupation, Kilgore has worked for five years as a dispatcher for University of Iowa - Cambus. She is grateful for an employer who is always supportive. "My employer has always been very supportive of my status as a citizen-soldier and has always given me any time [off] I needed for military training," she explained. "As I prepared for deployment, I never had to worry if my job was in jeopardy - that was a relief!"

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 Kilgore 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].

Kilgore, who joined the military to support the U.S. after September 11 in whatever way she could, indicated that the military training she receives indirectly benefits her employer as well since it broadens her horizons and keeps her focused on goals.

She is proud she has had this opportunity to serve her country but is looking forward to reuniting with her husband and finishing her degree. Kilgore and her husband, Paul, call Iowa City, Iowa home.

• Date Taken: 07.12.2006
• Date Posted: 07.12.2006 10:06
• Story ID: 7167
• Location: IQ