Education & Workforce Development
Supporting Military Employees is Supporting our State and Nation BY MAJOR GENERAL MICHAEL R. BERRY IN COLLABORATION WITH CHRISTINE F. KUBIK
WITH A POPULATION quickly growing to nearly 1-million, Delaware citizens are supported by over 2,700 Citizen Soldiers and Citizen Airmen who volunteer to serve in YOUR Delaware National Guard. The vast majority of these men and women—often our friends, co-workers, and neighbors—are considered “traditional” Guard members who wear the uniform to serve and train one weekend a month and two weeks a year at the very minimum to be mission ready. That is merely 36 training days to be trained, equipped, and prepared to serve the state and nation. But, in circumstances as we have seen over the last year, during unprecedented times like the COVID-19 pandemic response, civil uprisings, 24
natural disasters, and overseas conflicts, our nation routinely asks for more from the National Guard than ever before in our nation’s history. Whenever called upon to defend our national security at home or abroad, these brave men and women who wear the uniform respond immediately and effectively, placing the needs of their state and nation above their own personal safety. Our Soldiers and Airmen must truly find and manage a unique balance between their service, civilian employment, and their families. Without the support and encouragement of their employers and their communities and families back home, they would not successfully serve in uniform. Our Delaware Guard members rely on the support and understanding of their Se p t e m b er / Oc t o b e r 2021 | DELAWARE BUSINESS
