HERNDON, Va., Nov. 12, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office, announced that Christopher Jones, Northrop Grumman corporate vice president and president Technical Services, signed a Statement of Support for the Guard and Reserve. Jones signed the pledge this week at Northrop Grumman offices in Herndon during the company's day-earlier celebration of Veterans Day. He was joined by Lewis Brodsky, Northern Virginia Area Chair, ESGR. The Statement of Support confirms Northrop Grumman joins other employers in pledging:

• We fully recognize, honor and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act.
• Our managers and supervisors will have the tools they need to effectively manage those employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• We will continually recognize and support our country's service members and their families in peace, in crises and in war.

Christopher Jones, Northrop Grumman corporate vice president and president Technical Services (second from left), signed a Statement of Support from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserves (ESGR), pledging Northrop Grumman's commitment to the Guard and Reserves. Jones signed the pledge during a day-earlier celebration of Veterans Day at Northrop Grumman offices in Herndon, Va. Also pictured: Ervin Bedker, military outreach director, ESGR (far left); Lew Brodsky, Northern Virginia chair, ESGR (center); Alissa Stribling, employer outreach director, ESGR; and Steve Stanley, vice president, Northrop Grumman Cyber and Command, Control, Communications and Computers (C4) Government Relations.

A photo accompanying this release is available at http://media.globenewswire.com/noc/mediagallery.html?pkgid=37570

"Today supportive employers are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation's Guard and Reserve units. The Statement of Support program is the cornerstone of ESGR's efforts to gain and maintain employer support. The intent of this program is to increase employer support by encouraging participating employers to act as advocates for employee participation in the military," said Brodsky. "Northrop Grumman is setting a high standard for all Virginia employers to follow by providing above and beyond support of Virginia's veterans, many of whom currently serve in the National Guard and Reserve."

"We are very proud to support this program and the members of the Guard and Reserve," said Jones. "As a veteran and former 14-year member of the Air National Guard, I understand the vital contribution those men and women make to our nation's security. Northrop Grumman is devoted to supporting them."

"By meeting the Statement of Support criteria, Northrop Grumman will stand proudly with their Guard and Reserve employees who continue to answer our nation's call to defend our way of life. Their personal sacrifices are essential to the strength of our nation," added Brodsky.

Approximately 20 percent of Northrop Grumman's employees are veterans and on average the company hires 1,200 to 1,500 veterans a year. The company is involved in many initiatives to assist our service men and women and their families. Northrop Grumman created Operation IMPACT in 2005, a wounded warrior program designed to support the most severely injured service members or their primary caregiver. Operation IMPACT helps veterans with combat-related injuries at a 30 percent disability rating or higher, seeking a career transition. The company provides career readiness and placement assistance as well as post transition support to all eligible candidates. 

Northrop Grumman is also a sponsor of the Northern Virginia Technology Council, Veteran Employment Initiative, created to accelerate veterans' transition to civilian life by providing better employment opportunities in Virginia.

About Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman is a leading global security company providing innovative systems, products and solutions in unmanned systems, cyber, C4ISR, and logistics and modernization to government and commercial customers worldwide. Please visit www.northropgrumman.com for more information.

About ESGR

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense agency established in 1972 to develop and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between service members and employers. Paramount to ESGR's mission is encouraging the employment of Guardsmen and Reservists who bring integrity, global perspective and proven leadership to the civilian workforce. 

More information about ESGR Employer Outreach initiatives and volunteer opportunities is available at www.ESGR.mil or by contacting Jacqueline Leeker, 571-372-0690 or by email at jacqueline.n.leeker.civ@mail.mil.

CONTACT: Mark Root, Northrop Grumman
         703-280-2739 (office)
         571-425-2132 (mobile)

         Jacqueline Leeker, ESGR
         571-372-0690