By law, an employer is required to hold the jobs of US military reservists who are called up for active duty. Anecdotal evidence tells us that many employers skirt the law, especially with long call-ups. They can reduce benefits, and in extreme cases (and these are not unusual) companies can eliminate the positions - and thus the employment status when the reservist returns from the call-up.
You can imagine how "patriotic" companies like Halliburton and Walmart handle this. I don't have to tell you. But are there still companies out there - ten years into this war season - that take care of their employees?
How about Sears? Remember them?
Go to Snopes.com to check the veracity of this. Sears does more, apparently, than just maintain the job slot for their called-up reservists. Sears, for up to five years, will make up the difference in pay for their called-up reservists and will maintain all benefits, including life, dental, and health insurance.
You think that doesn't make a difference? Imagine having a comfortable job, good salary, and health care for your family. Imagine taking a 50% pay cut, just for serving your country. Sears does not let that happen to their employees.
This has to be costing Sears a bundle, and it is up to us to make it up to them. You have a choice in shopping, and I hope you will validate Sears' commitment to the troops when you shop. If you have a choice between buying something at Walmart or Sears, please choose Sears. If you have a choice between hiring your armed thugs from Halliburton or Sears, please choose Sears. (I believe they are listed in the Sears catalog, under mercenaries.)
A listing of other businesses that support the troops can be found on the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve website, at:
http://esgr.org/...