Cox Demonstrates Support for National Guard and Reserve With ESGR Statement of Support Signing Ceremony

Cox Demonstrates Support for National Guard and Reserve With ESGR Statement of Support Signing Ceremony

CHESAPEAKE, Va., Aug. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Cox Communications, has signed a statement of support for the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).  The signing ceremony was held at Cox Virginia's headquarters in Chesapeake, VA. The event was also attended by several local Cox employees who are military veterans or reservists and local ESGR representatives. The noted participants were involved in the signing ceremony:

• Thomas M. Stephen, Jr., CTR, MPSC, Virginia State Program Support Specialist; ESGR
• Doyle Quisenberry, Tidewater Committee Employer Outreach Coordinator; ESGR
• Robert Bellitto, Boeing and ESGR Tidewater Committee
• Gary McCollum, Senior Vice President and General Manager; Cox Virginia
• Michele Parks, Vice President, Human Resources; Cox Virginia
• Leigh Woisard, Vice President, Public Affairs; Cox Virginia
• Robert Conley, Manager, Security, Safety and Risk; Cox Virginia

Through the affirmation of its practices with the signing of the ESGR Statement of Support, Cox joins with thousands of America's employers in pledging the following:

1. To fully recognize, honor and enforce the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). 
2. To assure their managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
3. To continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

Mr. McCollum, a former Army Ranger himself, said, "The men and women who serve in the United States military deserve our admiration, respect and appreciation. Having served in the armed forces myself, I know the sacrifice that is made for the cause of freedom.  Cox is proud to offer this more visible show of support for a practice that we've been following for many, many years. We encourage other businesses in Virginia to demonstrate their support for the National Guard and Reserve by doing the same."

The statements will be placed throughout Cox's Virginia locations at the following offices:

Also, Michele Parks, Cox's Vice President of Human Resources for Virginia, was nominated by reservist Bert Conley, for the "My Boss is a Patriot" award. She was nominated by Mr. Conley for her leadership and steadfast support of Mr. Conley while he was on deployment with the Reserves. "Ms. Parks is a great mentor whose leadership has helped me grow. I appreciate her support while I was on deployment that is why I nominated her for this award which she greatly deserves," said Conley.

For more information, contact Felicia Blow at (757) 222-8432.

About Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)

ESGR is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees.  As the 1.3 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 or by contacting Tom Bullock, Chief, Employer Outreach, of the National ESGR Committee, at 703-696-1386, or email tom.bullock@osd.mil.

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and wireless services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves 6.2 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For six years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; for five years, Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity, and the company holds a perfect score in the Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com.

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