Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, announced that Barry Sharpe, Bloom Energy’s Vice President of Manufacturing at the Newark, Delaware manufacturing center, signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve. Bloom has a manufacturing site at the University of Delaware STAR Campus.
The Statement of Support confirms Bloom Energy joins Delaware employers in pledging to:
- Fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
- Ensure Bloom Energy managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
- Appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists, transitioning service members, and veterans.
- Continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.
“Today supportive employers throughout the nation are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units. The ESGR Statement of Support program is the cornerstone of ESGR’s efforts to gain and maintain employer support. The intent of this program is to increase employer support by encouraging participating employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military,” said Gary Stockbridge, Delaware ESGR state chair. “Bloom Energy is setting a high standard for all employers to follow by providing above and beyond support of the nation’s veterans, many of whom currently serve in the National Guard and Reserve.”
“Members of the National Guard and Reserve are everyday citizens that are called upon to perform an increasing number of unique missions that protect the freedom that Americans experience every day,” said Barry Sharpe, Bloom Energy’s Vice President of Manufacturing. “Bloom Energy is committed to attracting and retaining military, veterans and reservists, a goal that is ultimately good for our business. By signing the Statement of Support, Bloom Energy has helped all Delaware National Guard and Reservists to be properly represented, respected and celebrated in the workplace.”
Bloom Energy’s commitment to its employees who serve in the Reserves and Guards earned it an Above and Beyond Award presented by Delaware’s ESGR team in 2015.
Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service.
