U.S. Virgin Islands Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense (DoD) office, congratulates Beresford Edwards of St. Croix, U.S.V.I. on his first year as the new ESGR Chair for U.S. Virgin Islands chair.
The chair is an official DoD volunteer position. Edwards was appointed on Oct. 1, 2012, by Jessica L. Wright, former assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs, and Jim Rebholtz, former national chair. Wright is now acting undersecretary of defense for personnel and readiness. Edwards serves at the pleasure of the assistant secretary of defense for reserve affairs. The position carries a three-year term and the protocol of a military two-star flag officer. Edwards provides the leadership and vision for a team of more than 10 dedicated state volunteers that are spread all across the territory. 
During his first year as state chair, Edwards has instilled a fresh perspective into the organization. Employers, such as Home Depot, Diago USVI, local government and the Virgin Islands Legislature, have signed a ‘Statement of Support’ pledging their support to the Guard and Reserve. Also during this year, Diageo USVI was a semi-finalist for the Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. On July 31, it was recognized for its accomplishment during a recognition luncheon for employers, businesses and citizens who are expressing their support for employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.
Edwards is a retired lieutenant colonel of the V.I. Army National Guard. He has a bachelor degree in science from Charter Oak State College of New Britain, Connecticut and an associate degree in accounting from the University of the Virgin Islands. He is president of the V.I. National Guard Association and president of the men’s department of the Apostolic Faith Mission of St. Croix Inc. Edwards has a long and distinguished record of association with other community volunteer organizations.
With almost half of the nation’s military force residing in the Guard and Reserve, Edwards will have a direct impact on these brave men and women and their civilian employers. “The patriotic support of America’s employers and the employees they share with the nation ensures the viability of the all-volunteer force, and thus our national security. ESGR applauds employers who practice personnel policies that support employee participation in the Guard and Reserve,” said Edwards.
ESGR seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the National Guard and Reserve (NGR) in the United States. ESGR facilitates and promotes a cooperative culture of employer support for NGR service by developing and advocating mutually beneficial initiatives, recognizing outstanding employer support, increasing awareness of applicable laws and policies, resolving potential conflicts between employers and their service members, and acting as the employers’ principal advocate within the DoD. Paramount to ESGR’s mission is encouraging employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. Edwards continues to take charge of USVI ESGR and oversee the implementation of the mission.
