Hempstead Town Supervisor Kate Murray and the town board took action March 28 to financially assist town employees who have been called to active military duty during Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The board adopted a resolution authorizing additional compensation and health benefits to Town employees who are members of the military reserves or National Guard units who have been called to military duty during the current crisis.

"These employees are defending our country and our freedom," Murray said. "We want to be sure that they receive the town's support throughout their active military service."

Following September 11, 2001, the Town doubled its entitlement for employees called into active military duty, allowing them to be paid for up to 60 days and receive health benefits during the entire period of active military duty.

The board has now taken action to ensure that these employees receive compensation equal to their full salary for the duration of active military duty. After the 60 days the Town will supplement employees' military salary to bring it to regular Hempstead Town salary levels.

"These are very uncertain times and we should be very proud of our military reserves and national guardsmen who have been called into active military duty," Councilwoman Angie Cullin said. "Eliminating any disruption or reduction in salary and benefits is the least we can do to thank them for their service to our country."

Murray added, "The Town of Hempstead values our employees greatly and we truly appreciate how difficult it must be for their families when they are called to military duty during war times. This measure will give them one less concern during these trying times."

Bill Flanagan, president of Local 880 CSEA, the Town of Hempstead employees' union, said he is in full agreement with the resolution. "The Local 880 board is in agreement with this resolution and the union is ready to sign a memorandum of agreement. However, I would ask that this resolution be amended to have yellow ribbons be placed on all poles at Town Hall and at all Town facilities until this crisis ends."

Murray and the board unanimously passed the resolution with the aforementioned amendment.