OREANDA-NEWS. BP announced that BP America Chairman and President John MingЁ¦ will sign an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) statement during a ceremony Tuesday at the company's U.S. headquarters in Houston.

The pledge reaffirms BP's commitment to employees serving in the military. At BP, that includes continuing to provide them and their families with benefits these employees have earned, including income and health care coverage. In addition, the statement says BP will continue to encourage employment of guardsmen, reservists and veterans as well as continue to provide supervisors with tools needed to manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.

At the July 15 ceremony, BP also will be presented with the ESGR's "Above and Beyond Award," recognizing the company's exceptional support of military employees and their families.

Ronald G. Young, executive director of the ESGR, will attend the ceremony.

"I am incredibly honored to reaffirm BP's commitment to our employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve," MingЁ¦ said. "That commitment reflects not only our belief that reservists and guardsmen have the skills we need to help enhance America's energy security but also the skills America needs to protect our national security. We are proud to do our part to advance both."

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense office that promotes cooperation between servicemen and their civilian employers. By signing the pledge, BP is signalling that it appreciates the values and unique skills service members bring to the workforce. The company also is reiterating its longstanding commitment to enforcing the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA). The law protects service members' reemployment rights when returning from a period of service and prohibits employer discrimination based on military service or obligation.

At the ceremony, BP employees Joe Gallucci and Ginger Romansky will be presented with ESGR's "Patriot Awards," a tribute to the support they provided National Guard Captain and BP Gulf of Mexico employee Cody Anfinson during his recent deployment to Afghanistan. Mark Honey also will receive a Patriot Award to recognize his continued assistance to employee and National Guard Captain Justin Kelso.

In addition to continued income and health care coverage, employees returning from active duty are able to use an assistance program. It provides around-the-clock information, short-term counselling support and referrals to servicemen and women to address personal and professional challenges.

BP also provides a network for veterans, reservists, military family members and other supporters through BP's veterans business resource groups that work in more than 12 locations nationwide.