Radisson Hotel security guard 'Clears routes' while deployed to OIF

Courtesy Photo | Gov. John Hoeven, N.D., and Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Matthew Mitzel, a security guard for Radisson Hotel in Fargo, N.D., currently deployed to Iraq as a combat engineer squad leader for the 164th Engineer Battalion, A Company in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom listen as soldiers from his squad explain their mission.  

IRAQ

07.21.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers
ESGR Forward Team

IRAQ - North Dakota Army National Guard Staff Sgt. Matthew Allen Mitzel out of the 957th Engineer Company in Bismarck, N.D. is currently deployed to 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 Mitzell, working with his soldiers makes the separation from family and friends easier. In spite of these challenges, however, Mitzell said that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom helps to make 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 Iraq, Mitzel serves as a combat engineer squad leader for the 164th Engineer Battalion, A Company. His squad is responsible for clearing routes of improvised explosive devices. The staff sergeant has served in the military for nine years; this is his second deployment overseas.

Mitzel, employed by Radisson Hotel as a security guard for the last year, works out of Fargo, N.D. Mitzel expressed appreciation for a flexible employer. "My employer understands the importance of releasing soldiers who are deploying from their civilian obligations," he stated.

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 Mitzel 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].

Mitzel will return home with an even greater appreciation of the freedoms he has there. Skills practiced as a squad leader with both people and technical expertise will prove helpful in his civilian work. Although Mitzel is proud to serve his country, he is looking forward to returning to his family and the opportunity to drink a 'real beer.'

Mitzel, who calls Bismarck, N.D., his home, is the son of Van and Cathy Mitzel, also of Bismarck.

• Date Taken: 07.21.2006
• Date Posted: 07.21.2006 12:06
• Story ID: 7267
• Location: IQ