Roadway Express employee deploys onboard USS Enterprise to support Operation Iraqi Freedom

BAHRAIN

07.25.2006

Courtesy Story

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

by Lt. Col. Martin Moerschell
ESGR Forward Team

BAHRAIN - U.S. Navy reservist, Petty Officer 1st Class Ken Brown, who works with Roadway Express in Carlisle, Pa., is currently deployed onboard the USS Enterprise 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 my wife for long periods of time has always been the hardest part of any deployment. But this deployment is difficult for sentimental reasons as this will be my last deployment," said Brown. In spite of these challenges, however, Brown reflected that being part of Operation Iraqi Freedom makes up for many of the hardships that he encounters and he is proud to be out here on such an important mission.

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.

Onboard the USS Enterprise, Brown is the lead petty officer in the Air Transportation Office. He is responsible for the safe transfer of all personnel, cargo and mail arriving on and departing from the USS Enterprise. He also directs the vertical onboard delivery (VOB) of materials brought in by helicopters. The petty officer has served in the military for 19 years and this is his fifth deployment, his first in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

In his civilian occupation, Brown is a 14 year employee with Roadway Express as a dock worker. "I load and unload trucks, and when I'm activated in the military, I do the same type of work except I'm on a flight deck with aircraft instead of vehicles," said Brown. "My employer has always been supportive when I am called to active duty. I stop by every five to six months and I am always made to feel as though I am still part of the team. I look forward to seeing and working with my friends at Roadway when I'm released from my military commitment," said Brown.

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 Brown 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].

Brown, who calls Carlisle, Pa. his home, is the son of George and Shirley Peterson of Grand Prairie, Texas. He is married to the former Sherry Jumper for nine years.

• Date Taken: 07.25.2006
• Date Posted: 07.25.2006 12:48
• Story ID: 7298
• Location: BH