Northrop Grumman systems analyst deploys to Bahrain as a Navy chief warrant officer

Courtesy Photo | U.S. Navy Reservist Chief Warrant Officer Harvey is a Systems Analyst for Northrop Grumman in Middletown, RI. She is currently deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Bahrain.  

BAHRAIN

07.19.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Lt. Col. Martin Moerschell
ESGR Forward Team

BAHRAIN - U.S. Navy reservist, Chief Warrant Officer, Karen Harvey is currently deployed to Navy Central Command in Bahrain 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.

"Leaving home and leaving behind my nephew and niece was the hardest for me. They are both under three years old and I love them very much," said Harvey. But in spite of this challenge, however, Harvey stated that being part of Operation Enduring Freedom makes up for many of the hardships she encounters.

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.

At Navy Command Headquarters, Harvey serves as an Information Assurance Manager where she ensures information reliability for all computer systems in the Fifth Fleet area of operations. The chief warrant officer has served in the military for 28 years and this is her first deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

In her civilian occupation, Harvey is a Systems Analyst for Northrop Grumman in Middletown, R.I. where she is team lead and technical advisor for various computer systems development at the Navy Warfare Development Command.

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 Harvey 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].

"When I came into the military, my mother wasn't to keen on the idea as she saw the military more of a mans world. She doesn't understand there are so many women in the military service today," said Harvey. She went on to say that 'serving my country is very important to me, however, it is still the number three priority to me; God is first and family is second."

Harvey who calls Newport, RI.. her home, is the proud daughter of Tom and Joan Cox of Oceanport, New Jersey.

• Date Taken: 07.19.2006
• Date Posted: 07.19.2006 08:42
• Story ID: 7242
• Location: BH