Employers see what Reservists do at NWS Earle By MURIEL J. SMITH Posted:08/19/10
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LEONARDO - Union Beach Police Chief Scott Woolley was one of the employers of reservist Sailors who attended a day long introduction to the life of a Sailor at the R4A complex at NWS Earle's waterfront complex, and came away from the event with a new appreciation for what reservists do in their "other life."
One of the borough's police officers, Ptl. Lisa Griffin, is BU2 Lisa Griffin, a member of the Navy's Reserve Construction Force, a rating that works as carpenters, plasterers, roofers, concrete finishers, masons, painters, bricklayers and cabinet makers.
In addition to employers of reservist Sailors, volunteers with ESGR, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, were treated to the special day Aug. 7, as guests of NOSC, the Navy Operational Support Center at Earle.
Commanding Officer CDR Bob Lyon welcomed the group, explaining it is home to 13 Reserve units and includes 300 reservists, of which 86, or approximately 28 per cent are currently deployed. He was joined by CAPT Ken Skaggs, CO of NOSC Fort Dix, who noted another 1500 reservists train at that base, of which approximately 9 per cent are currently deployed. Both commanding officers pointed out the Reservists have a mission to be ready and prepared to be called and their monthly training ensures that is accomplished. They praised the employers for their support of military employees, and thanked them for their compliance with regulations that require specific treatment and privileges for returning reservists after deployment.
Following a continental breakfast and an informal get together with the officers and other staff members at NOSC, the guests enjoyed a static display of equipment used by Maritime Expeditionary Security Squadron (MSRON) 12 Boat Detachment, a display and explanation of weapons used by the Naval Security Force NWS Earle Reserve unit, an exhibition by MA1 Michael Fennell and MA3 Michael Fite of the Canine Patrol unit of Security, and a tour of the USNS Supply which was docked at the pier. They then returned to the Bay Breeze, an MWR (Morale, Welfare, Recreation) facility at the waterfront, where they had lunch with the reservists, and back to R4A where the employers signed voluntary Statements of Support and received certificates to post in their buildings showing that support. Members of ESGR explained the role they play in assisting both Reservists returning to their civilian occupations after active duty service, as well as employers who might have questions or concerns about the rights and obligations of men and women returning to civilian occupations after prolonged absences mandated by their military duty.
"It was a great day, I certainly learned a lot," Chief Woolley said, "It was nice to be here and see what goes on. We've always had great pride in our officers who perform double duty," he continued, "but it was interesting to see what goes on during their weekends with the Navy."
