Wing member assists reservists, employers

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Steve Lewis
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Liberty Wing members have a new point of contact for any issues that may arise with civilian employers. 

Senior Master Sgt. Rachael Gonesh, 512th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, has recently been appointed as an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve representative for the 512th Airlift Wing. 

Under her new role, Sergeant Gonesh will work with ESGR ombudsmen to assist servicemembers in resolving conflicts that may arise between their civilian employers and their military commitment. 

"If an individual has a problem with their employer, they can give me a call to discuss their options," said Sergeant Gonesh. 

She said if their issue is ESGR related, and they weren't able to resolve it by speaking with their employer, she would contact the employer first before connecting a reservist with their state's ombudsman. 

"The biggest issue servicemembers have with their employers is communication," said Sergeant Gonesh. "It's their duty to tell them about their military obligations." 

Along with helping wing members solve problems at their workplace, Sergeant Gonesh also educates the employers about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act. One of the ways she said she reaches out to employers is by also providing more information about the ESGR and the overall commitments of a reservist. 

"We try to bridge the gap where both parties win and there's more of an understanding," said Sergeant Gonesh. 

Despite proactive communication, Sergeant Gonesh said timing issues still occur between a reservist and their civilian employer. She said a common problem is when a reservist is unable to complete their annual tour due to a conflict with their work schedule. When this occurs, Sergeant Gonesh will call the employer and ask if they can make adjustments, so their employee can fulfill their obligations. If she's unable to resolve the issue during the phone call, reservists must contact their state's ombudsman. 

"Issues can be avoided by ... keeping your employer advised on your military obligations," said Sergeant Gonesh. 

She added that giving advance notice is especially important for pre-planned deployments. 

"The employer has a business to run and if you're an instrumental part, they'll have to fill that void while you're gone," she said. 

Liberty Wing reservists in need of assistance can call Sergeant Gonesh at (302) 677-2550 to schedule an appointment.