Beef Products Magnate, Roth Signs Support for National Guard in Five States.

  • Published
  • By MSGT Vincent De Groot
  • 185th ARW Public Affairs
Dakota Dunes, South Dakota --  A captain in the beef products industry and one of Sioux City's most well known employers recently took time to very publicly show their support for the National Guard and Reserve. Owners, Eldon and Regina Roth of Beef Products Incorporated (BPI) along with representatives from the Iowa, South Dakota and Nebraska Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) recently signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve.

Headquartered in Dakota Dunes, South Dakota; Beef Products, Inc. has become a world leader in producing boneless lean beef products. BPI began operations in the early 1980's and now has operations in five states.

Representatives from the South Dakota, Iowa and Nebraska ESGR were present to witness the event; however Statements of Support were also signed with the Kansas and Texas ESGR where BPI operates facilities. Eldon Roth of BPI says the main reason he wanted to do this is to show his support for the Military. "I think the military has not always gotten a fair shake. It's our way of trying to spark something" Said Roth.

While living in central California in the early 1960s Eldon Roth was a member of the California National Guard. Roth has had the unique experience of being in the National Guard, having to ask for time off from his civilian job in order to fulfill his military obligation and often using personal and vacation time to do so.

The ESGR statement of support says:

We recognize the National Guard and Reserve as essential to the strength of our Nation and the well-being of our communities.
In the highest American tradition, the patriotic men and women of the Guard and Reserve serve voluntarily in an honorable and vital profession. They train to respond to their community and their country in time of need. They deserve the support of every segment of our society.
If these volunteer forces are to continue to serve our nation, increased public understanding is required of the essential role of the Guard and Reserve in preserving our national security. Their members must have the cooperation of all American employers in encouraging employee participation in Guard and Reserve.
Therefore, we join other employers in pledging that:

1. Employment will not be denied because of service in the Guard or Reserve;
2. Employee job and career opportunities will not be limited or reduced because of service in the Guard or Reserve;
3. Employees will be granted leaves of absence for military service in the
Guard or Reserve, consistent with existing laws, without sacrifice of vacation; and
4. This agreement and its resultant policies will be made known throughout our organization.

Mr. Barry Spear of the Iowa ESGR also awarded BPI with the seven seals award. This award is the highest award given to Employers who go above and beyond in their support for the Guard and Reserve. 

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflicts through mediation. ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities, in Iowa, is available at http://www.iowaesgr.org/

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