NJ Cops | Page 20

NJ State PBA advocate Tretola now on Guard Longtime New Jersey State PBA supporter and member of the Survivor & Welfare Committee Don Tretola has been elected to serve a three-year term as the State Chair for New Jersey’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The State Chair is an official Department of Defense volunteer position required to take an oath of office by the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Reserve Affairs. The position carries the protocol of a military two-star flag officer. The chairman provides the leadership and vision for a team of more than 180 dedicated volunteers and Don Tretola, left, with the Adjutant General, has been elected State Chair for NJ’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. serves more than 8,000 service members spread all across New Jersey. The Chair represents all Seven Seals; United States Army Reserve, Marine Corps Reserve, Army National Guard, Navy Reserve, Air Force Reserve Command, Air National Guard and Coast Guard Reserve. Tretola, a native of northern New Jersey, enlisted in the Army National Guard, and culminated a 38-year career with PSE&G as the Public Affairs Director, serving Mercer, Middlesex, and Monmouth Counties and statewide law enforcement and military liaison issues. He is now serving as Senior Vice President of Public Affairs at Allies, Inc., one of New Jersey’s largest accredited nonprofit agencies dedicated to providing housing, healthcare, meaningful employment and recreational opportunities to people with special needs in the communities of their choice. ESGR, a Department of Defense office, is comprised of dedicated and trained volunteers and staff, was 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 mem