Ford Motor Company Signs Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve

 

(Dearborn, MI, January 28, 2008) – The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), an agency of the Department of Defense, announced that Alan Mulally, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ford Motor Company, signed a Statement of Support for Ford’s Guard and Reserve employees on January 28, 2008 at Ford World Headquarters in Dearborn, Michigan. 

 

"When I came to Ford, one of the things I was aware of is that the company has always supported this United States, the Department of Defense and Ford employees," said Mulally. "This is a phenomenal partnership, and you can count on our continued support."

 

Ford joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, and hundreds of other companies, in signing the Statement of Support. The Statement of Support confirms that Ford joins other employers in pledging that:

 

•           We fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 

•           Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

•           We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

 

According to The Honorable Thomas Hall, Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, “Ford is joining many of our nation’s leading employers that pledge support for our troops.  A Statement of Support serves two very vital functions:  First, it demonstrates the strong level of support for our Guard and Reserve, which is important during this critical time.  Second, it sends a clear message to the service members that while they’re serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs.”

 

“Alan Mullaly and Ford have taken the lead by demonstrating their commitment to our Guard and Reserve forces and to winning the war on terrorism”, Secretary Hall added.  “By signing a Statement of Support, Ford and Mr. Mullaly are making a valuable contribution to the quality of life for their Ford Motors employees who serve in the Reserve Components and to our national defense effort”.

 

There are more than 2,200 reservists employed by Ford and an estimated 7,400 military and National Guard veterans work for the company. Since 2001, 166 hourly and salaried employees have been on one or more military leave of absences.

 

For More information about ESGR, please call Beth Sherman, ESGR Public Affairs at 703-696-1386 X 539.