Community Ambulance Service of Minot paramedic "clears routes" while deployed to OIF

IRAQ

07.25.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers
ESGR Forward Team

IRAQ – North Dakota National Guard Sgt. Guy M. Stevens, a paramedic with Community Ambulance Service of Minot, 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.

Being away from family and friends has been the hardest part of the deployment for this soldier. In spite of these challenges, however, Stevens 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 Balad, Iraq, Stevens, a combat engineer, serves as a team leader for the 164th Engineer Battalion, Company A. His team is responsible for clearing routes of improvised explosive devices and noting changes on the routes. The sergeant has served in the military for six years; this is his first deployment overseas.

Stevens, employed by Community Ambulance Service of Minot as a paramedic for the last four years, works out of the 11th Avenue location in Minot, N.D. Grateful for a supportive employer, Stevens pointed out that his employer "has been very generous in understanding what I have been called to do." He further added, "he supports me in every way possible."

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 (name) 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].

Stevens indicated that his skills as a paramedic overlap with military needs. "I am a paramedic back home and have been utilized many times treating injured local nationals and fellow soldiers. Although he is proud he has had the opportunity to serve his country, Stevens looks forward to returning to his family, friends and job back home where he will be "welcomed back" as always after fulfilling his military commitments.

Sgt. Guy Stevens, who calls Minot, N.D., his home, is the son of Joy and Dodie Stevens

• Date Taken: 07.25.2006
• Date Posted: 07.25.2006 12:17
• Story ID: 7295
• Location: IQ