Official Government Website
Idaho Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws.
What we do:
Educates
ESGR informs and educates service members and their civilian employers regarding their rights and responsibilities under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). Statutory authority for USERRA resides with the Department of Labor, and ESGR serves as a neutral, free resource to employers and service members.
Advocates
ESGR advocates relevant initiatives on behalf of employers, service members and their families. We promote the importance of employer support through regular communications to military leadership, and serve as a communication link between employers and the DoD.
Recognize
ESGR recognizes and awards employers who practice human resource personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve with a series of DoD employer awards.
Service Members – Nominate Your Supportive Supervisor for the Patriot Award
Spouses – Nominate your supportive supervisor for the Patriot Award
Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award 2025
Mediate
Trained ombudsmen provide information and mediation concerning the USERRA law. ESGR has hundreds of trained volunteer ombudsmen throughout the country ready to provide free mediation. Many conflicts arise due to a misunderstanding rather than a purposeful violation of the law, and ESGR can assist in resolving these issues and more.
ESGR was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee’s military commitment.
It also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between the Service members and their employers.
Visit the ESGR website: https://www.esgr.mil/
Do you have a supportive employer that you would like to recognize? Here is your opportunity to nominate them for the highest recognition given to an employer by the U.S. Government! Service members are encouraged to contact the Idaho ESGR for assistance. Program volunteers are available statewide to guide you through the process and help you create a powerful narrative. To start, visit www.FreedomAward.mil or https://esgr.csd.disa.mil/FAN/
Recent events:
Boss Lift 2023
Boss Lift Eastern Idaho 2023
Boss Lift 2022
Boss Lift 2019
Boss Lift 2018
Goals
1. Gain and maintain support from employers for National Guard and Reserve service.
2. Increase attention/focus on employer outreach and military outreach missions, to support the readiness of the RC.
3. Improve ESGR brand awareness to inspire customer/stakeholder confidence and trust, and renew the relevancy of ESGR.
4. Streamline planning processes, increase state-wide collaboration/communication, and establish a consistent feedback loop on all ESGR plans and activities.
Contact Information
Shelly Bates
Volunteer Support Technician- Idaho
O: 208-272-3346
shelly.l.bates.ctr@army.mil