As one member of the West Virginia National Guard returns from deployment and another heads off to Iraq, the Greenbrier County Sheriff’s Department is honored for supporting employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

As a part of the West Virginia Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program, Sheriff Bruce Sloan was honored with an Extraordinary Employer Support Award.  It is an award that recognizes employers who have demonstrated three years of sustained support of their employees who serve in the military.  Only prior recipients of the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award or the Pro Patria Award are eligible to receive the higher honor.

“Greenbrier County’s Sheriff’s Office joins thousands of American employers who have reviewed and amended their current human resource policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA),” said West Virginia ESGR state chair, John Miller.  “Many employers provide support far beyond what USERRA requires, to include pay differential to offset loss of wages and extension of health care benefits which compliment coverage provided by the military when their employees are mobilized.”

Greenbrier County deputy Cpl. Charles Smith returned from a 13 month military activation on Aug. 17, 2017.  His rank in the military is Master Sergeant.  On that same day, Deputy Evan Shafer departed for a nine month deployment to Iraq.

“We are thankful to have Corporal Charles Smith back and we wish Deputy Shafer the best during his deployment,” said Sheriff Sloan. “We assured him that we will keep him in our prayers.”

Cpl. Smith spoke about the award the Sheriff received.

“The Sheriff and Deputy Sheriff work with other officers with this military duty, even in last minute situations,” said Cpl. Smith. “They go above and beyond.  While away on orders and away from home they always check on my home and family to assist with things while I am away.”

ESGR seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States.  ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives.  Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging employment of Guardsman and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce.