Black River Technical College (BRTC) Admissions Counselor Erin Mathews is giving back to her community by volunteering with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
In this role, Mathews visits businesses to share important information about the rights and responsibilities of both employees and service members. During the meetings, she explains how businesses can support employees who serve in the Guard or Reserve. Businesses may choose to sign a Statement of Support, and then the certificate is framed, presented, and displayed as a visible sign of support.
“For me, this opportunity is far more than just a volunteer role—it’s a true honor,” Mathews said. Her grandfather joined the Air Force at 17 with her grandmother’s signature since he was underage. He proudly served and retired at just 37-years-old then returned home to start the family farm where he raised cattle and tended a large garden. Her father also served, enlisting in the Army National Guard for six years.
Her journey with ESGR began when she was invited, as an admissions counselor for BRTC, to participate in the annual Our Community Salutes event. Through her training with ESGR, Mathews is also trained to be part of the Ombudsman Program. The program is a free service that advocates for the rights and well-being of residents in long-term care facilities. As an ombudsman, she will respond to and investigate complaints from residents, families, and staff regarding issues of neglect, abuse, and poor quality of care.
“Being part of ESGR is the closest I can come to serving in the military myself,” Mathews said. “In 1985, military service still wasn’t widely viewed as a path for women. But now, through this role, I’m proud to give back—to support those who serve, and to help ensure they are recognized and respected in the civilian workforce.”
According to ESGR, “ESGR, a Department of Defense office, 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.”
For more information about Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve visit https://www.esgr.mil/About-ESGR/Who-is-ESGR.
For more information about BRTC visit https://blackrivertech.edu/.