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Colorado’s Third Annual Women Veterans Conference

The Potter’s House — Denver

Moving Forward: Transition, Education and Employment

To honor the service of more than 46,000 Colorado Women Veterans, the Women Veterans of Colorado (WVOC) and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) co-hosted the 3rd Annual Colorado Women Veterans Conference at The Potter’s House-Denver in Aurora, on September 14, 2013. Despite rain and floods, 160 Women Veterans attended this free event, just for them with 55 exhibitors and resource tables, 23 volunteer speakers with classes on transitioning from military to civilian life, education, employment and healthcare benefits. “A large percentage of women who have served in the military don't take advantage of the benefits due them. The conference is a way to reach out to them and show how proud we are of their service and provide information on VA and other benefits," stated Kathryn Wirkus, President of Women Veterans of Colorado, who co-chaired the event with Rebecca Sawyer Smith, Public Affairs Office, Denver VA Regional Office.

The 2013 keynote speaker was Mary J. Miller, Col. USA (Ret), who is a well decorated Army

Veteran, and ESGR Volunteer with Military Outreach. Col. Miller retired from the United States Army

in 2011, culminating 30 years of service to the nation, and had many stories to tell about the

challenges of being a women military leader and transitioning into civilian life. Currently, Col. Miller

works as a civilian at the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Battle Lab in Colorado Springs,

Colorado. Col. Miller gave this advice to Women Veterans- register at the Women in Military

Memorial in Washington D.C.; and most of all, be proud of your

service to your country and be the best women service member

you can be, competing only with yourself, rather than trying to

‘outman’ the male service members. When asked about her

transition from the military as an officer to a civilian, Col. Miller

said it was hard to do with the last ten years so focused on war,

then all of that is gone once you retire. It is how you define

yourself (as an officer), so you need to redefine yourself.

Article provided by Rebecca Sawyer Smith

Welcome to Colorado ESGR. Our purpose is to have an informative newsletter that will educate, inform, Welcome to Colorado ESGR. Our purpose is to have an informative newsletter that will educate, inform, Welcome to Colorado ESGR. Our purpose is to have an informative newsletter that will educate, inform,

and promote service by and to ESGR while fulfilling our mission of supporting Employers, Guard/Reserve and promote service by and to ESGR while fulfilling our mission of supporting Employers, Guard/Reserve and promote service by and to ESGR while fulfilling our mission of supporting Employers, Guard/Reserve

members, Military and Veteran Employment Initiatives and our COESGR Volunteers.members, Military and Veteran Employment Initiatives and our COESGR Volunteers.members, Military and Veteran Employment Initiatives and our COESGR Volunteers.

November 2013

2 BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON VOLUNTEERS BOOZ ALLEN HAMILTON VOLUNTEERS

ROTC and Rep. Diana DeGetteROTC and Rep. Diana DeGette

U.S. Representative Diana DeGette welcomed the 160 Women

Veteran attendees, thanking them for their service to our country.

Cathy Breeze, Navy Veteran and Vice President from the Platinum

Sponsor Booz Allen Hamilton, spoke at the free lunch about

mentorship and relationships and choosing a job versus career. Breeze

stated, “don’t limit yourself to where you are today,” when making

decisions about transitioning into a career.

The theme this year was Moving Forward: Transition, Education

and Employment.

Transition sessions offered panel discussions on successful reentry into

civilian life and employment tips for translating military skills into

civilian career skills. Booz Allen Hamilton (BAH) and other Human Resource hiring

managers and career experts worked work one on one with women Veteran participants on

resume writing, interviews skills, and job search engines. Many session presenters were

women Veterans themselves or represented organizations who support Women who have

served in the military. Goodwill donated certificates for clothing and career counseling and

Dress for Success presented, letting women know how to dress for the marketplace

wearing civilian clothes affordably.

This conference would not be possible without the generous support from our main

sponsors: Booz Allen Hamilton, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Women

Veterans of Colorado (WVOC), Stars & Stripes Marketing, The Denver Hospice, U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and many others who made this conference successful. We look

forward to many more years of connecting Women Veterans to their community and each other.

Left to Right, Rossina.SchroeerLeft to Right, Rossina.Schroeer--Santiago (Rep. Santiago (Rep.

DeGette Office), Rebecca Sawyer Smith (VA), Rep. DeGette Office), Rebecca Sawyer Smith (VA), Rep.

Diana DeGette, Kathryn Wirkus (WVOC), Della Diana DeGette, Kathryn Wirkus (WVOC), Della

Granville (BAH) Granville (BAH)

ROTC presenting the colors ROTC presenting the colors Col. Mary Miller, Carlotta Wilson

(Veteran)

Theresa Z. Blumberg (Veteran, Theresa Z. Blumberg (Veteran,

MC), Cathy Breeze (VP BAH) MC), Cathy Breeze (VP BAH)

Rebecca Sawyer Smith Rebecca Sawyer Smith

(VA), Kathryn Wirkus (VA), Kathryn Wirkus

(WVOC(WVOC) )

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Our dedicated volunteers come from all walks of life. They are business executives,

civic leaders and patriotic citizens. Some volunteer activities include:

Employer Outreach: Develop relationships with employers to promote advocacy

for service in the Guard and Reserve.

Ombudsman: Work with employers and service members to prevent, reduce or

resolve misunderstandings regarding employment rights and responsibilities.

Public Affairs: Work with military and civilian media organizations to promote public understanding of

the ESGR mission.

Military Outreach: Inform and educate members of the Guard and Reserve regarding their

employment rights and responsibilities under USERRA.

The involvement of our volunteers, through just a few hours a month and in whatever capacity they

choose, improves the relationships our brave men and women have with their employers while they

continually place themselves in harm’s way, leave their families, and put their careers on hold to preserve

our way of life.

An ESGR volunteer has the opportunity to serve in support of our Nation’s defense. They personify the ESGR banner, “We All Serve.”

Heidi Ernst, Our November ESGR

Volunteer in the Spotlight

Story written by ESGR Volunteer Sherma Erholm

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve has acquired a new and valuable volunteer in Heidi Ernst, J.D. and Captain, United States Naval Reserve (Retired). Having had a twenty-four year career in the military, and in civilian life having walked in the shoes of employee as well as those of

employer of reservists, and also as attorney and mediator, she has had experience in almost every field in which our organization is engaged.

Captain Ernst grew up in Chicago and attended Northwestern University where she joined the U.S. Navy ROTC. After college she served in active duty for seven years. A major ―claim to fame‖ comes from having been selected as one of the first group of women to be assigned sea duty in 1978 when the Navy opened up to women the opportunity to serve on support ships. Heidi was one of a handful of women to earn a warfare designation. Active duty was followed by seventeen years as a U. S. Navy Reservist during which she was the Commanding Officer of two Naval Reserve units.

Law school and civil service occupations coincided with the years in the reserve. It was during this time that Captain Ernst gained first-hand knowledge of the intricacies of USERRA law and seeing the practice of it from both points of view. As an attorney and mediator, Ms. Ernst is engaged in issues regarding federal acquisition as well as veterans’ rights and benefits. She also provides mediation support to Denver County Courts. Recently a client called her for help concerning USERRA law. In researching for the case, she ran across two familiar names: ESGR and Dick Young. As a reservist, Heidi had first learned of ESGR, and in civilian life had noticed articles written about it in the Navy Times to which she subscribed. But the name, Dick Young—could he be the Dick Young that she, as a reservist, had known from the Naval Reserve Association? She contacted ESGR, spoke with our state chair, who did prove to be the Dick Young of her acquaintance, and knew she wanted to be a part of our organization.

With her commitment to serve, we are fortunate to welcome Heidi Ernst who will use her experience and skills in the capacity of Ombudsman with Colorado ESGR.

If you wish to be a volunteer with Colorado Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, please

contact our COESGR staff listed on the last page of this newsletter.

We would be excited to have you join us!

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Evie Garrett Dennis Campus received two Patriot Awards that were presented to Michael Anderson and Rhonda Juett on October 23, 2013. Presentation of the awards were made by ESGR Volunteer Tonia Martinez at the campus located at 40th and Tower Road near Denver International Airport. The campus has five schools and is a community environment that includes Strive Preparatory Academy, Clayton Early Learning, DSST, SOAR, Vista Academy and the Ikon/Recoh Satellite Site. Captain Renate Jimerson, nominated Michael and Rhonda in recognition for their support within the community by ensuring that low-income and educationally challenged students receive an education. In addition, she consistently engages with the community providing resources for both students and families

Left to right; Captain Renate Jimerson, Army Reserve, and Michael Anderson,

Campus Manager at Evie Garret Dennis Campus

Left to right; Captain Renate Jimerson, Army Reserve, and Rhonda Juett

Principal at Vista Academy/Evie Garret Dennis Campus

Patriot AwardPatriot Award

Statement of Support Signing (SOS)Statement of Support Signing (SOS)

A Statement of Support was presented to SYKES Home Powered by Alpine Access on Wednesday, 10/23/13.

In the picture from left to right are:

Fran Fennell – SYKES Community Outreach Coordinator Paul Inson – SYKES VP, HR Service Delivery Rick White – ESGR Denver Area Co-Chair Employer Outreach Paul Inson, SYKES VP, HR Service Delivery commented on the company’s support of veterans and ESGR. He said that ―they had 8% of their workforce of over 1,000 employees who were veterans or Guard and Reserve members.” The presentation was made by ESGR Volunteer Rick White.

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Colorado National Guard Flood support by the numbers: Evacuation totals: During the Colorado flooding, the military members provided aviation support, ground search and rescue, traffic control points, engineering support, and many other services to affected communities.

A total of 3,233 people and an estimated 1,300 pets were evacuated by either military aircraft or military vehicles. At the peak of flood evacuation operations, more than 750 troops, along with 21 helicopters, 200 military vehicles, 20 ground search-and-rescue teams, and 67 traffic-control points operated in support of lifesaving and protection efforts.

Aviation evacuation totals: Helicopters and crews evacuated a total of 2,526 people – 83 by hoist – and 1,047 pets who were in immediate danger or cut off because of impassable roads in Boulder County, Larimer County and Weld County. Aviators transported 48.3 tons of cargo, including critical food, water and clothing; as well as transportation and engineering supplies. The Colorado National Guard provided nine helicopters and crews from the 2nd Battalion, 135th General Support Aviation at Buckley Air Force base in Aurora, Colo., and the High-Altitude Army National Guard Aviation Training site in Gypsum, Colo. The Wyoming National Guard provided five helicopters and crews from the 5th Battalion, 159th Aviation Regiment in Cheyenne, Wyo. The U.S. Army provided seven helicopters and crews from the 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 4th Aviation Regiment, 4th Combat Aviation Brigade, 4th Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colo.

Ground evacuation totals: A total of 285 Colorado Notional Guard Soldiers and Airmen were assigned to ground search-and-rescue efforts. There were a total of 23 GSAR teams; a GSAR team consisted of three Light Medium Tactical vehicles and six Guardsmen. Colorado National Guardsmen evacuated a cumulative 707 people and an estimated 300 pets by ground search-and-rescue efforts. GSAR teams assisted local authorities in Boulder County (including the major effort in Lyons, Colo.), Weld County and Larimer County. Colorado National Guardsmen filled, moved and stacked more than 12,000 sandbags in Jefferson County to help civil authorities mitigate flooding in affected areas.

Security totals: At the peak of operations, Colorado National Guard members manned 67 checkpoints in Boulder County, Larimer County and Weld County. They assisted local authorities to ensure public safety and to protect property of those displaced by the floods. More than 590 Soldiers and Airmen worked side-by-side with local authorities at traffic-control points and roving patrols in affected areas.

http://co.ng.mil/media/releases/Pages/131025-sappr02.aspx

Images taken from http://www.dvidshub.net/unit/JFH-CNGPA#.UoBFb_mTjIb

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Sergeant Major Wayne Bowser, Sr., the senior enlisted adviser for Family and Employer Programs and Policy in the Pentagon's Office of Reserve Affairs spoke to over 30 employers from the Grand Junction area at a “Breakfast with the Boss” event held in Grand Junction On November 6, 2013 . The event was hosted by Lou Brackett, Grand Junction Area Chair, Colorado ESGR, and Don Snyder, Colorado ESGR Public Affairs volunteer. Sgt. Maj. Bowser and his team crisscross the country with a unique tool -- the Hero 2 Hired Mobile Job Store -- a truck that rolls into career fairs and other events to bring the resources straight to the fingertips of the military community.

An annual event in Colorado Springs, the Veterans Parade was held on Saturday, November 9th.

Participants in the parade along with veterans were 20 members of Pikes Peak Chapter of the Military

Officers Association of America* who are holding their annual conference in Colorado Springs,

November 14-16 and Sgt. Maj. Wayne Bowser, Sr. leading the H2h Jobs resource van. The H2H Van

is setting up shop throughout Colorado this month. The theme for this year's parade, "The Spirit of the

Warrior - Honoring Our Wounded Warriors." Hundreds of onlookers lined Tejon Street Saturday

morning as nearly 100 floats representing active-duty troops, veterans' groups, color guards, marching

bands and other military-friendly groups made their way down the nearly mile-long parade route.

Onlookers clapped for every float. But the most ardent cheering was saved for troops and veterans.

"Thank you!" one woman cried, her voice faltering, as a convoy of veterans rode past.

Read more at http://gazette.com/veterans-honored-with-parade/article/1509094#tuEhJ6fV3KqlDHt5.99

*Military Officers Association of America is the nation's largest and most influential association of military officers. It is an independent, nonprofit, politically nonpartisan organization. With about 370,000 members from every branch of service - including active duty, National Guard, Reserve, retired, former officers, and their families - we are a powerful force speaking for a strong national defense and dedicated to serving members of the uniformed services and their families and survivors.

DONOR

APPLICATION

It really is the most wonderful time of the year and here’s your opportunity to help provide a

memorable holiday season for Colorado National Guard Service Member’s and their

families!

Please visit the link below and complete the application. We will then contact you with all

the pertinent information needed to make a tremendous difference in the lives of our

military families.

www.surveymonkey.com/s/AdoptaFamilyDonation

The registration deadline is November 15, 2013.

There is no deadline for financial donations.

If you or your organization prefers not to register online, you may send a financial donation

to:

CONG Family Programs Office

Attn: Stacy Dorsey

12200 E. Briarwood Ave., Ste 160

Centennial, CO 80112

Please make checks payable to CONG Foundation and note “Adopt-A-Family 2013” in the

memorandum. A tax receipt will be issued in January for your contribution.

Should you need any additional information, please contact:

Michelle Abarca 720-847-9050 or michelle.abarca.ctr@ang.af.mil

On behalf of the Colorado National Guard Family Programs Office, we

THANK YOU in advance for your generosity and support of Military

Families!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

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Click on pictures or links for websites

STAFF AND CONTACT INFORMATION

Brent Hamilton - Program Support Technician

720-250-1176 brent.l.hamilton2.ctr@mail.mil

Chandra Hance – AST-Administrative Support Technician

720.250.1189 chandra.l.hance.ctr@mail.mil

COESGR Business Office

12200 East Briarwood Avenue, Suite 160

Centennial, Co 80112

State ESGR Vice Chair Tom Mills, Brigadier General,

CONG (Ret).

EMPLOYER OUTREACH AREA CHAIRS

Boulder/Longmont

Brad Gallup

Colorado Springs Mark Hustedt Mary Miller

Cortez Area

Robert Valencia

Denver Area

Bruce Erek Rick White

Douglas County Area

Jimmy Graham Bob Rotruck

Estes Park Area Chair

Ed Acela

Fort Lyon/Tri County Leanne Wheeler

Larimer/Weld County

Ralph Trenary

Grand Junction

Lou Brackett

David Popham

Pueblo

Harry Vogel

Steamboat Springs

Jim Stanko

State ESGR Chair Richard E. Young, RADM, USN (Ret)

COLORADO ESGR

DIRECTORS

Military Outreach

Pete Callaway—Director

Employer Outreach

Bev Skinner - Co-director Dave Pruett - Co-director EO Coordinator, Major Corporations- Mark Saunders

Ombudsmen

Bill Belz - Director

Gary Brown - Dep. Dir.

Training

Lynn Albi

Paula Kauffman—Dep. Dir.

Special Programs

Fritz Ihrig

National Guard Liaison

Liz Kelpis

Public Affairs

Director - Vacant

Employer Initiatives

Zach Jacobsen - Co-Director

Dawanta Parks - Co-Director

Chase Dinkler - Deputy

MVEE Coordinator - Jason Shireman

Colorado’s ESGR Electronic Newsletter is published not only for the information and benefit of the members of the Colorado ESGR but most importantly to our Guard and Reserve members and their employers.

The contents of this newsletter highlight activities and events conducted by Colorado ESGR.

Send comments regarding this publication to the Newsletter Editor: James Garrett at coloradoesgr@yahoo.com

H2H.jobs www.H2H.jobs H2H offers valuable resources for Service members by way of hiring fairs, job training, career assessment and military skills translation.

National Site News and Information Join Facebook and Twitter

Become a fan of Colorado ESGR

COESGR COESGR Twitter COESGR LinkedIn

2014 Recipient

Events Calendar November 1 - Freedom Award Nominations

Open

November 6-20 H2H Job Store Van in Colo-

rado.

November 16-20 Military Officers of America Association (MOAA) Annual Meeting,

Colorado Springs

December 14 Volunteer Initial Training Colorado National Guard Headqtrs, 6848 S.

Revere Pkwy., Centennial, Colo. 80112

Guard and Reserve Members!Guard and Reserve Members! Would you like to see your employer’s name as a recipient of the 2014 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award? Contact Brent Hamilton, Program Support Technician, for Colorado ESGR to get additional information and assistance in nominating your employer for this prestigious award.

Contact info: 720-250-1176 or brent.l.hamilton2.ctr@mail.mil

Nomination period is November 1, 2013 to January 20, 2014.

Don’t delay in nominating your employer.

November 2013