Governor Stein Proclaims Employer Support Of The Guard And Reserve Week

Employer Support Of The Guard And Reserve Week

2026

By The Governor Of The State Of North Carolina

A Proclamation

Whereas, North Carolina is home to more than 40,000 men and women of the National Guard and Reserve, who serve vital roles in maintaining the security and readiness of the United States and the State of North Carolina in times of peace and conflict; and 

Whereas, the North Carolina Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the North Carolina Department of Commerce through NCWorks, North Carolina for Military Employment (NC4ME), and other partner organizations collaborate to connect Guard and Reserve members with employers and training opportunities; and 

Whereas, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), established in 1972 under the Department of Defense, promotes a culture in which employers value the service and sacrifice of Guard and Reserve members and recognize the leadership, skills, and dedication they bring to the civilian workforce; and 

Whereas, employers across North Carolina demonstrate exceptional patriotism and commitment by supporting employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve, allowing them to attend training, respond to state and national emergencies, and deploy when called upon; and 

Whereas, supportive employers advance the readiness of our military forces and contribute directly to the defense of our nation and the safety of our communities; and

Whereas, the continued support of North Carolina’s employers is essential to ensuring that our Guard and Reserve servicemembers can seamlessly transition between their military and civilian careers, strengthening our workforce; and

Whereas, we recognize the Guard and Reserve are critical to the strength of our nation and the well-being of our communities and honor the businesses and organizations that make this possible through policies and leadership that demonstrate strong support for employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve;

Now, Therefore, I, Josh Stein, Governor of the State of North Carolina, do hereby proclaim August 16, 2026, as “Employer Support Of The Guard And Reserve Week” in North Carolina and commend its observance to all residents.

In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the Great Seal of the State of North Carolina at the Capitol in Raleigh this twenty-first day of July in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-sixth and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fifty-first