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

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

December 2014

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Chairman’s Message: State of Colorado ESGR for Year 2014

As the year 2014 comes to an end, I want to take a moment to reflect back on these 12 months and how we at Colorado ESGR did. And I think we did pretty well. Outstanding some would call it, looking at our metrics. And in many respects I would agree. But at the same time, I think we still have a ways to go.

Here are the highlights as I see them. And these are all because we have a very dedicated staff, small as it is, and a growing number of dedicated ESGR Volunteers who are carrying and

expanding the load they are carrying. As our National ESGR Instruction points out, we are a Volunteer led and Volunteer run organization. And it is our Volunteers, supported by a very dedicated and hardworking Staff, that makes us accomplish as much as we do.

We continue to have very successful Awards Banquets, this one in 2014 on the last day of May. Some 220 in attendance, and an excellent address from our keynote speaker, the former Governor of Colorado, Bill Ritter (who also serves on our Senior Advisory Council).

We had a number of very successful BOSSLIFTs for employers, especially one to Cheyenne Mountain for some 57 employers, others to other locations, all well received.

We have recorded getting out some 1,888 Statements of Support to employers; have now the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors urging all of their members to hire veterans. This is helping us very much to develop closer ties with many of the major employers in Colorado.

Our coordinated efforts of getting veterans hired is paying off, as we not only drive the veterans’ unemployment rate down, but in getting many of the veterans better trained and ready for better paying civilian employment. Two of our Volunteers in Colorado Springs, Nanette Mueller and Bob Landry, have and are devoting hundreds of hours to teaching a class to veterans that is getting them hired. Their class has set a standard of excellence in helping these veterans. In my opinion, even though all voluntary, it is the most effective class going for veterans to get employed.

Our last MVEE (our three day Employment EXPO) had 951 veterans/Guard and Reserve attend, along with 203 employers. We believe, based on the responses we received back, the hiring rate was a little north of 29%.

Our meetings with the HRs at many leading companies is helping us find the bottle necks that we need to break open between the company that has jobs and wants to hire veterans, and the veterans that can’t find the job they need and want.

We continue to work extremely closely with the entities that are part of our MOU to work collectively on hiring

veterans (Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, U.S. Department of Labor (VETS), the U.S.

Department of Veterans Affairs, the Colorado National Guard, ESGR, and now Fort Carson Army Base, and the

Colorado Federal Executive Board. Collaboration on these efforts makes so much sense. It is hard to fathom

why some still want to go it alone, and in that process, burn up time, money, and energy that is really needed to

reach our goals.

So, my heartfelt thanks to our Volunteers, to our Staff, that has made all of this happen. All I ask it that they keep

it going, and maybe kicking it into a little higher gear.

My Best, Dick Young, RADM, USN (Ret)

Chairman, Colorado State Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

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May Employer Awards BanquetMay Employer Awards Banquet

Military skills, civilian success, mutual respect, Xcel Military skills, civilian success, mutual respect, Xcel

Energy pledges full support of National Guard and Energy pledges full support of National Guard and

Reserve Reserve

National ESGR & Xcel Energy Statement of Support National ESGR & Xcel Energy Statement of Support

Continued next page…….

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In March Ball Aerospace invited 15 ESGR volunteers and special

guests to tour their Aerospace facilities at their Boulder campus.

CALFEX Ft Carson Bosslift

Employers Day at Buckley AFB Bosslift in August

Leadership Training

Volunteers: now 226. Largest in the country Volunteer Hours; 16,669 (most ever reported by any State ESGR Committee) Freedom Award winners; six in the last five years ESGR Volunteers trained: 206 (170 last year). We put on our own leadership Training from our Academy of Excellence for Leadership, as well as holding a Mountain Retreat that 27 of our Volunteers attended.

New Volunteers: 73 (32 last year) Employers Influenced: 2,256 (not bad, but doing better the last few months) Military Influenced: 6,198 (where we really need to improve, and we are) Ombudsman Statistics: 78% of our cases resolved, 68% in a timely manner (these metrics are also showing major improvement.

Continued next page…….

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TROOPS TO PRINCIPALS COMES TO UNC COLORADO SPRINGSTROOPS TO PRINCIPALS COMES TO UNC COLORADO SPRINGS

The University of Northern Colorado will host courses for the Troops to Principals and the Teachers to Principals programs at their Colorado Springs Center as announced by School Leaders for America president John Evans. “This is a great partnership and it gives us an opportunity to offer courses closer to where our military and teacher candidates live.”

The “Troops to Principals” program offers military veterans an opportunity to bring their leadership skills to public schools. The program also offers an alternative licensure program for teachers working as first year school principals. Upon enrolling in the rigorous 32 credit program and the 9 hour principal intern program with Colorado Springs School District 11, candidates receive an “initial” principal license. Upon completion of the program, candidates receive their professional principal license. “There is a saying at „one size does not fit all‟,” said President Evans. “We individualize the program to

fit the education and skill set of our candidates.”

Two courses starting soon at the UNC Center are “Student Conduct” and “Parent and Community Involvement.” Courses are held on Saturday. For more information, contact Dr. John Evans at 303-840-9830.

H. Michael Edwards, Maj. Gen., Colorado Air National Guard (COANG), states that: “Service members gain a wealth of leadership experience during their service that can directly benefit our educational institutions. School Leaders for America Troops to Principals program recognizes the value of such leadership experiences and provides service members with an alternative avenue in acquiring their credentials and licensure to continue service in school administration as an Assistant Principal or

Principal upon transition from military service.”

Colorado Commissioner of Education Robert K. Hammond states: “Data from the Colorado Teaching, empowering, Leading and Learning (TELL) survey indicates that the attrition rate for principals in 2010 was 16 percent. As a result, there is a continuing need in Colorado to have effective principals available to lead and improve our K-12 schools. The Troops to Principal project will be a major asset in alleviating this need.” He concludes by saying: “I urge your support for Troops to Principals project. It is a unique opportunity to take the leadership skills of our military personnel and use them

for the benefit of the children of Colorado.”

December Class of New Volunteers in TrainingDecember Class of New Volunteers in Training

(Zoom this pdf document to view the pictures larger)

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Sherman Fuller U.S. Army (Ret.) Command Sergeant Major, enlisted in the Army in 1978. He was a member of the Elite Ranger Regiment. He has two combat tours: Panama and Granada. When he retired in 2003, Fuller contacted Troops to Teachers to embark on his new career as an educator. Fuller moved through the ranks in the education system becoming a Teacher, Dean of Students, Assistant Principal and Principal. He is currently a Lead Recruiter supporting the Regional Director and Associate Regional Director in all aspects of recruiting Troops to Teacher participants. He ensures the proper execution of the strategic plan and represents recruiters throughout the region as a member of the regional executive management team.

He maintains that his affiliation with Troops to Teacher grounded him in the art of Education and teaching and quotes, “education is the canvas where all things become real, and serving as a recruiter is the tool I use to paint that vision of success. A vision that was instilled in me through the Troops to Teacher Program. I am forever grateful for their tutorship in helping to mold me in what I’ve accomplished.” Sherman is married to PJ Fuller, a recently retired school teacher and Executive Officer for their own company. They have two adult children and enjoy golfing, skiing, motorcycle riding and helping others to discover their life vision. Sherman’s personal contributions detail his commitment to excellence. Sherman is currently

volunteering with Employee Support for the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) building relationships and

mentoring our service members to achieve personal excellence. He indicates that dreams can come

true with hard work and perseverance. Through his positions with Troops to Teachers and ESGR,

Sherman aims to promote Employer Support of Guard and Reserve members while expanding

employment opportunities for military members by informing employers (mainly school districts) of the

benefits of hiring military veterans and engaging employers in the ESGR employer programs.

For additional information regarding the Troops to Teachers program or the Troops to Teachers and

ESGR partnership please contact Sherman Fuller directly at sfuller@troopstoteachers.net.

“Troops to Teachers Lead Recruiter joins ESGR as an ESGR Volunteer.”

Troops to Teachers (TTT) was established in 1994 as a Department of Defense program. The National Defense Authorization Act for FY 2000 transferred the responsibility for program oversight and funding to the U.S. Department of Education but continued operation by the Department of Defense. Since 1994, over 17,000 Troops to Teachers participants have been hired nationally in public schools.

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On a normal day, Kynnie Martin is singing Xcel Energy’s praises to her

military veteran brethren. It is, after all, her job as the company’s senior

recruiter for veterans and diversity. But today, Xcel Energy has the

opportunity to return the favor, because Martin has just been named to

the Top 40 Under 40 Military by CivilianJobs.com.

The Top 40 Under 40 Military program recognizes the top-performing

service members who are serving or have served in the U.S. Armed

Forces. Honorees are profiled each year in the November/December

Veterans Day issue of Military Transition News. Martin rose to the rank

of captain in the U.S. Army and was deployed in 2005-06 in support of

Operation Iraqi Freedom III with the 3rd Infantry Division, based out of

Fort Stewart, GA. She is being recognized for her work in the veteran

employment space as a veteran advocate and volunteer. Prior to

coming to Xcel Energy to spearhead the company’s veteran hiring

efforts, she worked at a national nonprofit to connect veterans to energy

jobs.

“As a transitioning veteran, I know how hard it can be to redefine who you are as an individual

and as a professional, so I learned to take the skills I developed to help veterans in their

transition,” Martin said.“It‟s humbling and exciting to receive this recognition. It means I‟m

doing something that helps fellow vets, and I‟m fortunate enough to work for a company that

allows me to continue to follow my passion.”

In addition to her career in veteran employment, Kynnie also sits on the Board of Directors for

Women Veterans of Colorado, participates with Team RWB, and sits on the veteran advisory and

academy selection boards for her state and congressional representatives. Her experience as a

platoon leader in charge of the 3rd

Infantry Division’s first drone unit (Shadow TUAV) was highlighted

in the documentary “Women Warriors – A Vision of Valor” which is part of the Congressional Library.

“Kynnie has been a valuable addition to our recruiting team, filling a vital role that was

created to increase our emphasis on hiring military veterans,” said Darla Figoli, vice president

of Human Resources. “Her drive and commitment to helping veterans transition into civilian

jobs is admirable, and I‟m so happy that she‟s being recognized for this important work.”

“Every year the caliber of applicants for the Top 40 Under 40 Military pushes the envelope to

new heights, and this year was no different,” said Jake Hutchings, director of CivilianJobs.com.

“In sum, they exemplify the quality and stature of military-experienced personnel as a whole;

individually, these service members have etched their names among the best and brightest in

their respective military and post-uniform ventures."

The criteria for the Top 40 Under 40 Military are as follows:

• Serving or has served in the U.S. Armed Forces

• Under 40 years old

• Exemplary military performance as per their assignments and

evaluations

• Honorable discharge or anticipate an honorable discharge

For more information on the Top 40 Under 40 Military program including a pictorial of the 2014 class,

go to http://www.civilianjobs.com/40U40.htm.

Kynnie Martin Named a Top 40 Under 40

By Chris Schanus, senior communications consultant, Xcel Energy

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On Monday, November 17, Stewart Ewing, CenturyLink’s Chief Financial Officer, and David Cole, Executive Vice President of Operations Support and Controller, were presented with the Employee Support for Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award by Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Lewis, SC, USN (Supply Corp, United States Navy). Stewart and David were nominated for their support of Lt. Cmdr. Lewis who serves as CenturyLink’s Director of Integration and Program Management and has performed more than 120 days of reserved service from 2012 to 2014.

Chief Financial Officer Stewart Ewing receives the

ESGR Patriot Award from Lt. Cmdr. Christopher Lewis

Executive Vice President of Operations Support David

Cole receives the ESGR Patriot Award from Lt. Cmdr.

Christopher Lewis

The Patriot Award honors supervisors for their superior support of Guard and Reserve employees. Nominations must come from a Guard or Reserve member or a family member. Nominated employers receive a certificate of recognition and a lapel pin.

Patriot Award nominator, Sarah Harlow (right in picture), is the spouse of a deployed Air National Guard service m e m be r . Th i s i s h i s four th deployment. They have two children, ages 5 and 10. Sarah is very grateful to her employer, Mike Maguire and his wife, Carol, (both holding their awards) for the support and understanding they provide to her and her deployed husband. Sarah serves as the General Manager of Home Instead Senior Care located in Fort Collins CO. New ESGR volunteers, Jeanie and Brian Hand presented these awards

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Marc McGuire, Director for Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Grand Junction accepted the Employee Support for Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award for the nominee, Stephanie A. Michael who could not be present. Makota Yoshino, a Navy Reservist nominated Stephanie for the following: “While currently attending school full time and serving in the Naval Reserves, I was hired by Veterans Administration in a part time position in the Nutrition Department. As my supervisor, Stephanie Michael has gone above and beyond in assuring that my scheduling restrictions were accounted for. Although the department is currently undermanned, she has made every effort to allow me to fulfill my drilling and annual training requirements. As a 22 year retired veteran of the Air Force, she more than understands the importance in obligations to the Naval Reserve.” The award was presented with by ESGR volunteers, Dave Popham, Jonathan Graziano, Dea Bridge and Lou Brackett.. This VA Medical Center has seen over 30 percent of their staff have been or are currently serving in the military. Their National Guard and Reserve employees have been deployed overseas and throughout the world.

Pictured from left to right; Dave Popham, ESGR volunteer, Angela Brothers, Director of Impatient Services (holding Statement of Support), Marc McGuire (with Patriot Award), Jonathan Graziano, Dea Bridge, and Lou Brackett, ESGR volunteers.

Capt Daschle spoke about Christina; “ln the past few months, Christina Freeman led our records division at the Steamboat Springs Police Department through a period of very high personnel turnover. One employee retired. Another moved due to his wife's promotion and her new job being in another city. Another had a baby and is out of the office for 9 weeks. And then, on top of all of that, I broke the news to her that I had accepted a job with the USAFR that would mean 18 weeks of training and my being gone as much as six months at a time for training and for deployment every two-and-a-half years . Christina, as well as other office staff, took the news very well. I have received nothing but support. I know that I made her job, and the iobs of my coworkers, more difficult. 'The workload will not be any less, and now they will be an entire employee short while I'm away.”

Captain John S. Daschle, United States Air Force Reserve presenting the Patriot Award to Christina Freeman of the Record Division of the Steamboat Springs Police Department.

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Applebee's Castle Rock Manager Steven Long is presented

with Statement of Support by Bob Rotruck, ESGR.

Lee Dailey of Christopher Lee Financial, LLC. is

presented with Statement of Support by Darrel

Williamson, ESGR

Colorado’s Supporting Employers

Jude Deiterman, President and COO of TriZetto

Corporation signs Statement of Support presented by

Christopher Nachand, ESGR

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Steamboat Springs Public Works Director, Joel Rae is

presented with Statement of Support by Jim Stanko,

ESGR.

Nick Lucey of NickLucey.com is presented with Statement

of Support by Bob Rotruck, ESGR.

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!!

Guard and Reserve Guard and Reserve

Members!Members! Would you like to see your

employer’s name as a recipient of the 2015 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

Over the years, Colorado has had eight employers selected for the Freedom Award. From the 15 employers we have nominated in the past five years, six have been selected each year for the Freedom Award and three as finalists. (Nationwide, from 30 finalists, 15 receive the prestigious award annually.) Congratulations Colorado Employers!Congratulations Colorado Employers!

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

Becky Small - Employment Coordinator

720-250-1188 rsmall@a-teamsolutions.com

https://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ebenefits/jobs

COESGR Business Office

12200 East Briarwood Avenue, Suite 160

Centennial, Co 80112 FAX: 720.250.1199

State ESGR Vice Chair Tom Mills, Brigadier General,

CONG (Ret).

EMPLOYER OUTREACH AREA CHAIRS

Boulder/Longmont Brad Gallup

Tonia Martinez

Colorado Springs John Schutt Bob Landry

Cortez Area Robert Valencia

Denver Area Bruce Erek Rick White

Douglas County Area

Jimmy Graham Bob Rotruck

Estes Park Area Chair Open

Fort Lyon/Tri County Leanne Wheeler

Larimer/Weld County Jeanie & Brian Hand Grand Junction

Lou Brackett David Popham

Montrose Emily Smith

Fred Fusselman

Pueblo Harry Vogel

Jon Brude

Steamboat Springs Jim Stanko

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

COLORADO ESGR

DIRECTORS

Military Outreach

Mary Miller - Director Miles Montgomery - Dep. Dir.

Employer Outreach

Bev Skinner - Co-director Dave Pruett - Co-director

EO Coordinator, Major Corporations- Jim Jensen - Denver Bill Price - Area Chair Coordinator

Ombudsmen

Bill Belz - Director Martin Cobb - Co- Director Aaron Lechner - Dep. Dir.

Lara Makinen - Coordinator

Training Lynn Albi

Paula Kauffman - Dep. Dir.

Special Programs

Kip Cheroutes - Director

National Guard Liaison Liz Kelpis

Public Affairs

Sandy Tiegen - Director

Employer Initiatives

Robby Castle - Director Paul Dunbar - Deputy

H2H Coordinator - Becky Small Mentors Coordinator - Zach Jacobsen Job Fairs Coordinator - Chase Dinkler

MVEE Coordinators - Jason Shireman Elaine Edon

Bosslift Coordinator - Brian Bartony

National Site News and Information

Join Facebook and Twitter Become a fan of Colorado ESGR

COESGR Twitter COESGR LinkedIn

2015 Events Calendar

January 20 - Freedom Award

Nominations end

February 20-22 - YRRP 30/60 Post

Deploy Event (Vail)

March 20-21 - Colorado Leaders

Academy

March 24-27 - Denver MVEE, Auraria

Campus

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 ESGRcolorado@yahoo.com

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2015 Military Friendly® Employers

Congratulations to the 2015 Military Friendly® Employers! Corporate America has a voracious appetite for hiring military. The pool of companies eligible for our Military Friendly Employers title is approximately 5,000 (minimum of $500 million in annual revenues). Less than 5% percent earn our elite designation and the right to bear the Military Friendly trademark. For more details on our ratings please visit the methodology section of our site. You can find the full list of employers here, grouped by industry.