Are Corporate Businesses We Are Patronizing During the Holiday Season Supporting Our Nation?

Are Corporate Businesses We Are Patronizing During the Holiday Season Supporting Our Nation?

By RANDELL A. MONACO, Esq.
December 7, 2010


The current economic challenges have been tough for many, particularly those military reservists gearing up for active duty. On a positive note some of the tens of thousands of dedicated individuals and their families can look forward to some financial relief.
Going back to 2003, I assume that many of you have seen the reports about how Sears is treating its reservist employees who are called up for active duty overseas. Federal law requires only that their jobs are held open and available. The difference between their military pay and civilian income often creates a burden for those reservists and their families particularly when you consider the disruption of healthcare benefits.
There are some exemplary companies who have stepped up to support the sacrifices made by these reservist’s, some of whom have served more than one tour of duty over the protracted conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Sears has been one of these Companies, voluntarily paying the difference in salaries and maintaining all benefits, including medical insurance and bonus programs.
Another company supporting our military in these difficult times is the United Parcel Service who counts 4,000 to 5,000 of its 300,000 U.S. employees as reservists. In addition to making up the difference between the employees’ military service salary and their salary at UPS, the package delivery firm will also extend its health care and life insurance benefits to its reservist employees while they're on active duty. Under current regulations, reservists and their dependents get military health care for active duty of more than 30 days.
During this Holiday season I encourage everyone to be particularly supportive of companies like the United Parcel Service and Sears. As we shop and plan our gifting this year, a quick internet search in advance will tell you which companies and businesses are also supporting America as we all now carry the burdens of national debt , absent family members and in many cases the unthinkable.