PHOENIX, Ariz. - On the eve of the highly-anticipated NBA All-Star weekend, Arizona's own Jerry Colangelo, managing director of the Men's USA Basketball National Team, signed a statement of support for Arizona's chapter of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve .
ESGR is a Department of Defense organization that works to promote cooperation and understanding between Guard and Reserve members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.
The Feb. 12 represented USA Basketball's continued recognition of the nearly 700,000 Civilian-Soldiers and –Airmen, who have gone to war for the United States since Sept. 11, 2001.
ESGR State Chairman Scott Essex thanked USA Basketball, and other supporting businesses on behalf of nearly 13,000 Arizona National Guard and Reserve members. He also recognized the dozens of volunteers, who help ESGR achieve its employer-outreach goals.
Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon then extended the city's support for Arizona's servicemembers and veterans by offering the city and its resources in recognition and respect for their sacrifices, at one point noting that there is nothing more important to the City of Phoenix than assisting servicemembers in need.
Phoenix was the first major city in Arizona to support employees activated into service by providing differential pay to prevent financial hardship while deployed.
Reflecting on his world travels, JColangelo noted the pride he felt as an American overseas. Especially in Beijing, when the world converged to celebrate the 2008 Olympics, he said it was evident how much esteem U.S. armed forces had truly amassed.
Colangelo said he also encountered servicemembers from foreign nations, who spoke of the respect they had for America and how much its military aided in the protection of the world.
Colangelo said he hopes his organization's participation in this program will help other companies see the need to reform or establish their own polices.
Army Maj. Gen. Hugo Salazar, the adjutant general of Arizona, said the signed statement creates a commitment of understanding in which USA Basketball honors its men and women, who wish to serve their country.
He said that Gordon's program should be a model for cities around the country, while recognizing TriWest Healthcare Alliance's benchmark program, which has donated tens of thousands of dollars to the Arizona National Guard's Emergency Relief Fund.
Finally, Salazar thanked Colangelo for his public proclamation and support for Arizona's men and women in uniform and for bringing home Olympic gold for men's basketball where it belongs.