NFIB

NFIB Salutes Small Businesses' Commitment to Reservists, National Guard Troops
04/11/2003

DELAWARE, April 11, 2003 -- In these uncertain times that often serve to strengthen the American resolve, NFIB would like to take a moment to thank the thousands of men and women in Delaware and across the nation who are putting themselves in harm's way to defend freedom.

Just as small business is the engine that drives our economy, the reservists and guardsmen who sacrifice their own security to protect ours drive the American spirit. Many of these reservists play both roles -- local business employee by trade and soldier by duty. In Delaware alone, thousands of citizens wear the uniform of a military reserve soldier. It is because of their commitment to freedom that our nation is able to endure.

Playing a critical supporting role in this endeavor are the daytime employers of these soldiers -- America's small-business owners. As these employers often have very few employees, they can take a fairly substantial hit if one or more of their employees are called to active duty. NFIB's MyBusiness Magazine's spring issue features a small business in Illinois whose workers are also military reservists. The article details how Entee Services, Inc. is coping with keeping their wheels turning even as they face the possibility of some of the spokes being removed.

Federal law establishes guidelines that business owners must adhere to in respect to the employment of reservists and guardsman. This includes guaranteeing their employment and insurance benefits while on active duty. This is often a difficult task for businesses that must tightly budget all of their expenses, including employee costs.

NFIB salutes these employers who are making the tough decisions in order to support our troops, just as we support those in uniform. These everyday heroes personify and celebrate the nation's spirit of freedom. And so we should celebrate them.

Read the complete article -- Filling the Gap -- on reservist employees.