Legal Rights for Soldiers - Protecting the Rights at Home of Those Who Defend Freedom Abroad

After completing active duty with the U.S. Marine Corps, Mark J. Meyer of Readlyn, IA joined the reserves and became a stellar store manager in the private sector. He received the highest possible rating in his performance reviews and was named 2003 Cedar Valley Area Employee of the Year. 

In May 2004, Mark suddenly received a negative performance review at work and was fired two days later. With no short-term job options available, he had to take a job on the military base 3 hours away from his new wife, Destiny (pictured left with Mark). Why the sudden reversal? Mark told his employer that his reserve unit was being deployed to Iraq. Within hours of Mark’s meeting to notify his supervisor that he would need a temporary leave of absence, she wrote a very negative review and asked for his termination. 

Mark is now pursuing a civil complaint against his former employer. His attorney, Ronnie Podolessky, thinks criminal charges are also warranted.

Keep Our Families Safe: Protecting the Rights of Soldiers and their Families

Quote of the Week - “It's not only contemptible to fire someone called up to serve our nation—it's against the law.”

On the Hill

Americans are indebted to soldiers and veterans like LCpl. Mark Meyer and we can all agree that they should be honored for their willingness to serve. Federal and state laws clearly protect the right of reservists to volunteer without fear of retaliation. If you hear about service members in your town who believe their employment rights were violated, be advised that they should first contact their employer, then their unit commander, and then the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at 1-800-336-4590.

Another valuable legal resource is the Family Support Department of the Department of Defense.

By the Numbers

40%: Percent of troops in Iraq who are Reservists or National Guard members.

Over 480,000: Number of Reserve and National Guard troops mobilized since 9/11/2001.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve

In the News

Honoring the Sacrifices of the Fallen Means Protecting the Rights of Soldiers and their Families
Keep Our Families Safe, May 23, 2005 
“This war has been especially tough on those at home because of the enormous reliance on the Reserves and the National Guard, who make up over 40% of the troops being rotated into Iraq. That makes it all the more critical that our laws protect the rights and interests of men and women in the military who leave their families to fight on behalf of ours.”

Laws in Place to Guard Jobs for Soldiers
Wisconsin Post-Crescent, May 15, 2005
“Members of the Appleton-based Wisconsin National Guard unit who will be called up for active duty next month face many concerns as they prepare for military service. But job security should not be one of them.”

More Links

LCpl. Meyer's attorney, Ronnie Podolessky

Operation Safekeeping
Arkansas Volunteers Rally to Help Reservists & Their Families

Military.com 
Servicemembers Civil Relief Act Overview

Common Ground
G.I. Bill of Rights for the 21st Century

Free Consultations
You may contact us by telephone toll free at (800) 709-1123
Use our online consultation form or by e-mail.

R. F. Wittmeyer, Ltd.
1635 N. Arlington Heights Rd., Suite 104
Arlington Heights, Illinois 60004
(847) 577-1123
Fax (847) 577-2827
E-mail:  rfw@injurylawattys.com