ESGR Washington

06/13/2026

Whether responding to emergencies at home or serving around the world, Washington National Guard members train to the highest standards - all while balancing a civilian career. We’re grateful for their service—and for the employers who support them every step of the way.

06/13/2026

Congratulations to Lisa Vineyard, Ashley McBroom, Stephanie Cazares, and Gretchen Metzger of University of Washington Medical Center – Northwest on receiving Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Awards.

The awards were presented by ESGR Washington Emeritus State Chair Phil Sanders after the four leaders were nominated by Washington National Guard SPC Rafael Juarez-Ventura, a nursing assistant at UW Medicine.

As SPC Juarez-Ventura shared, his supervisors “constantly demonstrate strong support” for his military service by providing flexibility for training and military obligations while ensuring patient care and team performance remain strong. Their support allows him to successfully balance his responsibilities in the Washington National Guard with his civilian healthcare career.

Supportive employers and supervisors are critical to the success of our Guard and Reserve members, helping them serve their communities, state, and nation while continuing to excel in their civilian professions.

06/12/2026

Washington ESGR was proud to support this Yellow Ribbon event and connect returning service members and their families with information about their USERRA rights and protections. As these Soldiers transition back to their civilian careers, USERRA helps ensure they can return to their jobs and continue serving without sacrificing their professional futures.

A successful return home takes more than the service member—it takes supportive families, communities, and employers who understand the value Guard and Reserve members bring to the workplace every day.

Soldiers from the 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry Regiment, 96th Troop Command, Washington National Guard, gathered together with friends and family in Fife, Wash., for a post deployment yellow ribbon event on June 6, 2026, to celebrate returning home from a deployment to the Horn of Africa.

06/11/2026

The strength of the National Guard comes from Citizen-Soldiers who successfully balance military service with civilian careers. Supportive employers—and the protections of USERRA—help make that possible, allowing Guard members to serve their communities and nation while continuing to grow professionally at home. Check out the video!

06/06/2026

On D-Day, thousands of America’s citizen-soldiers left their civilian jobs, families, and communities to take part in one of the most important operations in history.

Among those storming the beaches of Normandy were National Guard units whose legacy continues today. Their courage, sacrifice, and commitment helped secure freedom in Europe and remains a powerful reminder of the vital role our Guard and Reserve members have played throughout our nation’s history.

Today, we honor all who served on June 6, 1944, and remember the citizen-soldier tradition that helped make victory possible.



https://www.army.mil/d-day/?fbclid=IwdGRleASRjKlleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEeA1vs9LD2hiieihVHFRC9YV2EbjFlAWakNZbefeZV_q3vIeVAS0gpoUYRXuQ_aem_AWpBCDeUMJNAeG1p21IXpw

U.S. Army D-Day Microsite | The United States Army

06/06/2026

Thank you to our South Sound Area co-Chair Ohad Lowy and employer outreach representative Morgan Zantua for manning the table at the Washington National Guard’s 1st Squadron, 303rd Cavalry Regiment, 96th Troop Command as the squadron returned from deployment from the the Horn of Africa.

ESGR volunteers are often the first resource Service Members and their families meet as they transition back to civilian life. Through education, outreach, and support, they help ensure our Guard and Reserve members can focus on their mission knowing their civilian careers are protected.

06/05/2026

The men and women of the 141st Air Refueling Wing stand ready to answer the call—supporting missions at home and around the world while serving their communities here in Washington.

Their ability to serve depends on the support of employers who understand the value Guard members bring to both the workplace and the mission. 🇺🇸

Called to serve, ready to respond. 💪

Airmen in the Air National Guard support humanitarian missions at home and abroad, putting critical skills to work when communities need it most. From emergency medical care to logistics coordination, their training prepares them to assess quickly, move with purpose and make decisions that carry real impact.

For many, that responsibility is exactly why they serve.

06/04/2026

Want to support the Citizen-Soldiers who leave their civilian lives when their communities, state, or nation need them?

Washington ESGR is looking for volunteers to help strengthen the partnership between civilian employers and Guard and Reserve Service Members. No military experience is required—just a desire to serve your community, support our citizen-warriors, and help employers understand their USERRA rights and responsibilities.

Join a team making a difference across Washington State.

06/03/2026

06/02/2026

When Guard and Reserve members deploy, families serve too. Resources and support networks help families navigate the challenges of deployment, allowing service members to focus on the mission and return to supportive employers at home.