Courtesy Photo | U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col Douglas Mills, a program manager for Dynamic Research...... read more read more
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Story by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers, ESGR Forward Team
IRAQ - U.S. Army Reserve Lt. Col. Douglas Mills is currently deployed to Balad, Iraq 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 Mills, the separation from family and friends has created the greatest challenge. In spite of these challenges, however, Mills said that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom helps makes 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 Iraq, Mills serves as the Deputy Operations Officer of the 3rd Corps Support Command. His responsibilities range from coordinating the operations of eleven brigades operating throughout Iraq to synchronizing the Corps Support Command's Counter-IED fight. Although the lieutenant colonel has served around the world during his 18 years of service, this is his first deployment in support of OIF.
In his civilian occupation, Mills has served as a program manager for Dynamics Research Corporation for the past two years. He expressed appreciation for the support his employer has given him. "Co-workers have stayed in touch, offering assistance at home," he reflected. "The company has also been supportive by making up the differential between military and civilian pay for several months as well as ensuring that I continue to accrue vacation leave while deployed," he explained.
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 Mills 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.
Mills is convinced that the military skills he currently uses in the field will benefit his employer upon his return. "Since my civilian and military skills overlap, I will return with a greater awareness of how actual situations in theatre truly impact our work back home." he pointed out.
Although Mills is proud of his service to his country, he is looking forward to returning home not only to his family and friends but also to his employer, Dynamic Research Corporation (DRC).
Mills and his wife Wendy call Rutland, Mass. their home and are the proud parents of two children, Chris and Becca. He is the son of Joe and Evelyn Mills of Wood-Ridge, N.J.
USAR
| Date Taken: | 07.12.2006 |
| Date Posted: | 07.12.2006 10:17 |
| Story ID: | 7169 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 205 |
| Downloads: | 159 |
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