Published November 2001

Reservists deserve the support of their employers

By Don C. Brunell
Guest Editorial

In 1976, I was sitting at the dinner table in Missoula, Mont., when a surprise call came: “Report to the state mental hospital by 11 o’clock.” State workers had walked off the job, and the governor had activated the Montana National Guard to run the hospital.

I immediately called my boss, and without hesitation, Howie McDowell said, “Go. Is there anything we can do to help Jeri and the girls?”

Because my National Guard pay was less than my civilian salary, McDowell said, “We’ll make up the difference!”

That was quite a sacrifice, because the tiny association where I worked struggled to make ends meet, and I knew he’d have to trim some other expenses to make good on his word.

McDowell was a World War II Navy pilot who had put himself through the University of Washington on the GI bill. Perhaps because of that, he supported me as a reservist without question and went the extra step to help make sure my family’s needs were taken care of.

Today, almost 30 years later, Howie McDowell remains an example for other employers to follow.

President Bush continues to warn us that the war on terrorism will take a long time to win. And just as with every other war, the National Guard and reservists are being activated for up to two years to augment the regular forces.

Federal and state laws guarantee those soldiers, sailors, marines and aviators will have their jobs when their active duty is over. But many employers are going beyond just guaranteeing jobs: They are augmenting pay and benefits to make sure that citizen-soldiers and their families don’t suffer financial hardships because of their service.

These employers would make Howie McDowell proud. Hopefully, employers across the country will follow their example. It will be a hardship for all of us to have reservists on active duty, but it is a price that we all pay to protect our freedom and liberties.

Just as firefighters, police and emergency personnel deserve our unwavering support, so does our military — active and reserves.

Don C. Brunell is President of the Association of Washington Business.

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