Connecticut ESGR Committee Honors Aetna as “5-Star Employer”

Insurer Announces Improvements to Military Leave Policies

At a recent ceremony in Hartford, Conn., the Connecticut Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense, honored Aetna as a "5-Star Employer."

The 5-Star honor recognizes companies that have gone "above and beyond" federal laws relating to the employment and reemployment of workers who volunteer in the Guard and Reserve.

Elease Wright, head of Aetna Human Resources, opened the ceremony at which Aetna President Mark Bertolini signed the ESGR's Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve. Bertolini also described the enhancements Aetna is making to its military leave policies.

“We are proud of our employees who make the extraordinary commitment to serve in the Guard and Reserve,” said Bertolini. “And when they are deployed, it is important that they know Aetna salutes their service to our nation, and assures them that their jobs will be here when they return, and their families will be cared for while they are gone.”   

The enhancements, which will be effective on Jan. 1, 2008, will provide additional support to Aetna employees who are on military leave or have spouses or family members who are called to active duty.

“The 5-Star Program highlights and honors employers who go above and beyond the call of duty for those employees in uniform who serve our nation and our communities,” said Connecticut Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Chairman Lew Vasquez, a former Aetna employee and retired Army Reserve officer. “With half of the nation's military strength in the National Guard and Reserve, the support of companies like Aetna is vital to our national security.”