SEMATECH/ATDF equipment services manager "repairs" combat systems overseas

IRAQ

07.25.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Senior Master Sgt. Darenda Rogers
ESGR Forward Team

IRAQ – U.S. Navy Reserve Chief Petty Officer Scott Bislund, an equipment services manager with SEMATECH/ATDF, Inc., out of Austin, Texas is currently deployed to Bahrain 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.

"Family separation has been the hardest part of this deployment," said Bisland. In spite of these challenges, however, Bisland 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 Bahrain, Bisland serves as the chief electronics technician for U.S. Navy Central Command, 5th Fleet. During his 30 years of service, this chief petty officer has served in eight deployments overseas.

Bisland, employed for seventeen years wih tSEMATECH/Advanced Technology Development out of Austin, Texas is an equipment services manager. In this civilian role, he is responsible for equipment purchase, installation, maintenance and repair of semiconductor wafers as well as research and development fabrication.

"SEMATECH/ATDF pays the difference in salary [military and civilian base pay] and provides benefits for 12 months," said Bisland. "They also give us up to 30 days each year for temporary duty," he said. Bisland expressed gratitude for the support his employer provides so he can serve his country.

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 Bisland 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].

"Military experience has propelled my civilian employment and college education," Bisland stated. According to Bisland, "the ability to serve in a vital position has made this deployment worthwhile." He looks forward to using the skills practiced in the field when he returns to SEMATECH/ATDF.

"My wife and family have supported my career and deployment 100 percent," Bisland pointed out. Pflugerville, Texas is home to them and their four children, Grant, Anson, Corinne, and Madeline.

• Date Taken: 07.25.2006
• Date Posted: 07.25.2006 12:30
• Story ID: 7296
• Location: IQ