Memorial Hospital honored as 'patriotic employer'

When Jennifer Sundquist, a lab technician at The Memorial Hospital, was called up by the N.H. National Guard to serve in Iraq last year, she knew she didnt need to worry about her job when she returned. The hospital is one of many employers around the country who have pledged their support of the Guard and Reserves by granting leaves of absence for employees in the military. Last week, Ernest Loomis, state chairman of the Department of Defenses National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, made a special presentation to The Memorial Hospital Executive Director Gary Poquette in appreciation of the hospitals support.Loomis recognized the hospital with certification as a Patriotic Employer for supporting employee participation in the National Guard and Reserves.Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve was created in 1972 to assist members of the Reserve and their civilian employers. Today, the nations Guard and Reserve forces make up more than 46 percent of the countrys total available military manpower. As Reserve forces spend more time away from the workplace defending the nation, ESGR offers guidance to help employers manage staff that serve their country while continuing in the civilian workplace.As a supporter of ESGR, The Memorial Hospital pledges not to deny employment because of service in the Guard or Reserve, or limit career opportunities because of military service, and to allow leaves of absence for tours of duty. In recent years, the hospital has had several employees serve in the military in various capacities.