ATA Airlines Honored by the Department of Defense for Supporting its Employees Who Serve in the Indiana National Guard and Reserve

Indianapolis, IN, September 30, 2005 --(PR.com)-- Indianapolis-based carrier ATA Airlines is among a select group of companies receiving the “Above and Beyond Award” from the Department of Defense for supporting its employees serving in the Indiana National Guard and Reserve. Mr. Ed Bensman, State Chair of the Indiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee (ESGR), presented the honor to ATA President and CEO John Denison at the Company’s headquarters.

“ATA encourages its employees to lead balanced lives that contribute to their families, community and nation,” explained Denison. “Those who serve in the Indiana National Guard and Reserve are living out this philosophy to the fullest. Giving them time off for training and continuing their benefits while they are away serving our country is the least ATA can do to recognize their sacrifice.”

In addition to receiving this award, ATA has signed a “5-Star” Statement of Support for their employees who serve in the Indiana National Guard and Reserve. The airline joins 150 Hoosier employers in making this commitment.

The “5-Star” Statement of Support confirms that the State of Indiana and this patriotic group of Indiana employers have taken the following steps:
· Signed a statement publicly demonstrating their support for their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve
· Promised to promote training for managers and supervisors to effectively manage their employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve
· Reviewed their Human Resources policies to ensure compliance with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act Law (USERRA)
· Promised to advocate for employee service in the National Guard and Reserve, thereby helping to promote the mission of ESGR

“Since September 11, 2001, more than 500,000 National Guard and Reserve men and women across the United States have left their families and employers to serve on active duty in the Global War on Terrorism. Specifically, 19,400 are members of the Guard and Reserve in the State of Indiana, and of that number, 4,000 are currently deployed away from their loved ones and places of business. Many of these deployed Guard and Reserve members serve, work, and live in the Indianapolis area. The outpouring of support from the home front has been overwhelming. None of this could have been possible without the strong backing from all employers of the brave men and women who serve this great Nation, and the State of Indiana”, explained Bensman.

ATA Airlines, headquartered in Indianapolis, now in its 32nd year of operation, offers “easy” and affordable travel to major business centers and popular vacation destinations like New York, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Hawaii, Florida, Mexico and the Caribbean. Through direct and connecting codeshare flights, ATA now serves customers in more than 70 markets. For more information, visit ata.com.

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 active support from all public and private employers for the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve.

ESGR volunteers provide free education, consultation, and if necessary mediation for employers of Guard and Reserve employees. Please contact Duke Ellington, Executive Director of the Indiana ESGR Committee, at 317-247-3548 for more information on ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities.

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