Eight New ESGR State Chairs Named: Military Connection

By Debbie Gregory.

In a September 14th ceremony, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) announced new state chairs for eight of its state offices.

Leading efforts at the state level, each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia (DC) and three territories have a state chair assigned to promote cooperation and understanding between Reservists and their civilian employers.

We are proud to announce that Military Connection’s friend, General James Combs, was appointed the state chair for California.

The other incoming ESGR state chairs are:Darren Venters, AZ; Mark Lilevjen, CO; David Bockel, GA; Stephen Bogle, IA; Paul Cohen, NE; Stephen Karrick, NV; and Ted Durante, WY.

ESGR National Chair Paul Mock said, “These new leaders are at the tip of the spear. Every one of them is a proven leader, and I look forward to seeing the new heights they reach with their programs.”

Members of the Guard and Reserve and their civilian employers form an alliance essential to the security of our nation. These brave men and women perform critical roles in disaster relief efforts at home and abroad, and continue to serve around the world to ensure our freedom. They could not perform their critical mission without support.

As chairs, these leaders are responsible for organizing and supervising ESGR volunteers. They also liaise with influential people, including governors, general and flag officers, elected officials, and business and community leaders.

For more than 40 years, the ESGR has assisted Reserve Component service members. Supported by a network of more than 4,600 volunteers across all 50 states, DC, Guam-CNMI (Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands), Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the ESGR staff fosters a culture that values the citizen warriors of the National Guard and Reserve.

The ESGR continues to meet the needs of Reserve Component members, their families and America’s employers by joining forces with a network of other national, state and local government and professional trade organizations.

Together, We All Serve!