When it comes to giving back to the veteran community, it’s all straight talk, straight from the Boss.
Steve Grindstaff with Grindstaff Motors received special recognition at his Elizabethton office Tuesday with the Department of Defense presenting the owner the Patriotic Employer Award for his support of National Guard and Reserve personnel.
“He has several current active duty employees in his organization serving in the Reserve and Guard,” James Cross, who presented the award, said. “Mr. Grindstaff also has a number of veterans employed in his organization.”
Grindstaff alluded to the fact his father served in the military and said giving back to the military members is important for all businesses.
“I think anytime you can help the veterans, you need to step up to the plate,” Grindstaff said. “They’ve done it all for us, so we need to do it for them.”
Cross added that Grindstaff’s support of employees in the Guard and Reserve “promotes a positive culture for his organization by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognition of outstanding employer support, increased awareness of applicable laws and policies, and eliminates any potential conflicts with military members civilian job and military service.”
Helping support military members reentry is an important role for the DOD, which offers the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)  program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the Reserve components through outreach, recognition and educational opportunities that help increase awareness of laws and resolve employer conflicts between service members and employers.
“Today, the Guard and Reserve is about 50 percent of our total force,” Cross said. “Of course, they have civilian jobs. When America’s employers support the Guard and Reserve, it makes it a lot easier on these folks.”
Grindstaff added it was an honor to be in the company of Cross and Bob Ryon, who also took part in the presentation from the ESGR, and stressed the importance of individuals giving back to veterans and active military members and employers giving opportunities to the personnel.
Visit esgr.mil for more information on ESGR.