Bangor supports city workers in Guard, Reserve

BANGOR – The city made formal its support Monday for employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

During a council meeting at City Hall, councilors signed a 5-Star Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve confirming that the city will:

. Demonstrate its support for employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

. Promise to safeguard jobs, support continued medical and dental benefits for family members and grant leaves of absence for military service without penalty, to the extent allowed under applicable laws.

. Ensure men and women who serve will not be denied employment by the city nor have reduced job or career opportunities.

. Advocate for employee service in the Guard and Reserve.

On hand for the signing ceremony were the chairman, executive director and three members of the state committee for the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the federal Department of Defense founded in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Guard members and reservists and their civilian employers.

John Simpson, state committee chairman, applauded the city for its support.

“They appreciate what you’re doing here,” said Simpson, noting that the Guard and Reserve constitute half of the total military force in Iraq and Afghanistan, and about half of the casualties.

“The American military can’t move without the Guard and Reserve … so the city of Bangor really sets a great example,” he said.

More than a dozen city employees who have or now are serving in the Guard or Reserve were recognized during the ceremony. They are:

Patricia Brooks, assessing department; Kevin Prosser, Bangor International Airport; David Hallett, parks and recreation department; Ward Gagner, Joel Nadeau, Carol Bragdon, Michael Jewett, Thomas Reagan and Christopher Blanchard, Police Department; and Charles Rodway, Phillip Hamm, Daniel Landers and Christopher McKenna, Fire Department.

“They deserve the support of every segment of society,” said council Chairman John Cashwell, a retired Army National Guard pilot. He noted that the council included members who have served in the Army, Air Force, Navy and Marines, “so we know well what you folks go through every day.”