SAN FRANCISCO –
Wells Fargo will soon add the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award to numerous other regional and state-level ESGR awards that have recognized the financial services company's exemplary support of employees who serve in National Guard and Reserve units.
On July 6, 2011, company CEO John Stumph signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve at the Wells Fargo corporate office in San Francisco. In September, Stumph will travel to Washington D.C. to be presented the prestigious Freedom Award, the highest recognition given by the U.S. government to employers.
"Wells Fargo is proud to support our team members who serve in the National Guard and Reserve units," said Stumpf. "We provide a number of incentives and benefit enhancements for our team members, as well as provide them and their families support during National Guard and Reserve activations. We're very thankful to these team members - and all members of the Armed Forces - for their service to our country."
No one could be more appreciative of both the company's support and ESGR's recognition than 940th Wing Command Chief Jason Henderson, vice president for Wells Fargo's Mid-valley Commercial banking office in Northern California.
"Wells Fargo is setting a precedent for other companies to follow," said Henderson, who also serves as a member of the company's internal veteran's network group.
The network group works on advocating and improving the life of employees who wear the uniform and work for Wells Fargo by focusing on projects such as translating how military experience parallels to civilian qualifications, Henderson said.
Wells Fargo joins a cadre of Fortune 500 companies, state and federal agencies and thousands of America's employers in demonstrating support for America's armed forces.
"Today, supportive employers like Wells Fargo are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's Guard and Reserve units. I am asking all financial firms to take a look at their current human resources policies to incorporate policies supportive of Guard and Reserve service," said James Rebholz, National Chair of ESGR.
"Many employers provide 'Above and Beyond' support to complement military coverage, such as providing pay differential to offset the loss of wages, and extending health care benefits while their employees are mobilized," said Rebholz, adding that Wells Fargo has consistently shown broad support and an on-going commitment of its service member-employees.
"By signing the Statement of Support, Mr. Stumpf sends a clear message to the employees of Wells Fargo & Company that while they are serving their country, they do not have to worry about their civilian jobs," said Rebholz. "As the 1.1 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions that require extraordinary actions on the part of everyday citizens, ESGR will continue to be the informational agency for the employers of citizen warriors."
More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at
www.esgr.mil .