Honolulu fire chief appointed to defense advisory board
January 15, 2004
Honolulu Fire Department Fire Chief Attilio K. Leonardi has been appointed by the White House to serve on the Defense Advisory Board for Employer Support of the National Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The purpose of the advisory board is to provide advice to the Secretary of Defense about issues concerning members of the National Guard and Reserves and their civilian employers, to include recommending policies and priorities for employer support actions and programs.
Leonardi has 100 members of the Honolulu Fire Department in the National Guard and Reserves, with 15 members now activated. “I have three helicopter pilots, and two of them have been activated,” said Leonardi. He noted that other fire departments also are having staff activated. “We've been seeing this since the war began in Afghanistan and after Sept. 11. We are seeing it more with the war in Iraq.”
Leonardi attended his first functions as a board member Nov. 13–14, 2003 in Washington, D.C. He was at the White House when President Bush proclaimed Nov. 16–22, 2003 as National Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Week. In his speech, President Bush noted the importance of public safety officers who serve in the National Guard and Reserves.
“Members of the Guard and Reserve are with us today,” said Bush. “We're proud of your service. We thank you for your sacrifice. The war on terror has drawn on many of America's strengths, and one of the greatest strengths is the citizen-soldier, like Specialist James Dexter of the Illinois National Guard. At home, Specialist Dexter is a volunteer fire fighter. In Iraq, he is serving as a military police officer. On three separate occasions in a single month, Specialist Dexter rushed to the scene of traffic accidents, twice saving the lives of American soldiers and Iraqi citizens, and once putting out a dangerous fire. He was awarded the Bronze Star. He has earned the gratitude of our country for his service.”
Leonardi also attended the ESGR 2003 Employer Support Freedom Awards at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Nov. 14 where nine outstanding employers were recognized for going above and beyond in supporting their National Guard and Reserve employees.
Leonardi will serve for two years on the 15-member advisory board, which will meet a minimum of twice a year. The board anticipates holding its first meeting in March. The Defense Advisory Board for ESGR reports to the Secretary of Defense through the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs and the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness on all matters. The National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), in coordination with the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs, is the proponent organization.
“The advisory board will work to address problems facing employers and members of the Guard and Reserves,” said Leonardi. “We are working to make this a win-win situation for everyone.”
For more information about ESGR, visit www.esgr.org .
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