[Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George W. Bush (2003, Book II)]
[November 14, 2003]
[Pages 1543-1544]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]



Memorandum on Return of Activated Military Members to Federal Civilian 
Employment
November 14, 2003

Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies

Subject: Return of Activated Military Members to Federal Civilian 
Employment

    As we welcome home returning Federal civil servants who were called 
to active duty in the continuing Global War on Terrorism, we recognize 
the contributions they have made in the defense of freedom. Whether they 
served with the Reserve Forces or the Air and Army National Guard, each 
of them has my personal gratitude and the respect and admiration of a 
grateful Nation.
    The Federal Government will continue to be the model for employer 
support to the Guard and Reserve. We are the guarantors of the rights of 
returning service members under the Uniformed Services Employment and 
Reemployment Rights Act, and I am personally committed to providing each 
of them with our full support, recognition, and assistance. Accordingly, 
I hereby direct you to grant Federal employees under your authority who 
are returning from active duty 5 days of uncharged leave from their 
civilian duties, consistent with the provisions of Federal law.
    We also are grateful for the extra efforts of the many Federal 
civilian employees

[[Page 1544]]

who, in the absence of their fellow activated workers, have contributed 
to the War on Terror, and I urge you to recognize these Federal 
employees by appropriate means.

                                                          George W. Bush