Westfield Mayor to Sign ESGR Statement of Support Published Dec. 7, 2008 By Capt Matthew T. Mutti, Wing Executive Staff Officer 104FW OFFICE OF THE MAYOR, Westfield, Massachusetts -- The Mayor of Westfield, Michael R. Boulanger will sign a 'Statement of Support', with the Massachusetts Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), Monday December 8th at 2:00 p.m. at the Mayors office, 59 Court Street. The 'Statement of Support' is a symbolic gesture reassuring that the Mayor will continue support the member of the National Guard and Reserves that are employed by the city, buy ensuring their rights are upheld during a time of deployment or training. The city of Westfield employees several members of the National Guard and Reserves, 31 members of Barnes Air National Guard work for the City of Westfield as Firefighters, Police officer, Teachers and other professions. The ESGR Committee works to raise awareness of the rights of the Guard and Reserve members during times of mobilization, deployment and training. The committee also assigns ombudsmen to work any cases involving employee disputes between employers and members of the reserve components. To witness this signing, Col Robert Brooks, 104th Fighter Wing Commander will be present along with Lt. Col Thomas Stewart, Commander of the 126th Brigade Support Battalion. "We have always received the support we needed from the City of Westfield, this signing is a symbolic gesture that raises awareness within the city that the support of Guard and Reserve employers is crucial to us being able to accomplish our mission," said Col Brooks.