Your fellow employees are not going on a tour of the Greek isles, but rather a tour of military duty in which they may be called upon to put their lives on the line. It's true that you may be doing some extra work while they are overseas, but stop and think about the extra work they are doing for you.
Under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, employers are basically required to excuse employees for military service and then to reinstate them in the position with the rights and benefits they would have had if they had not been called away for duty.
Employers can do more if they wish, such as continuing a portion of the Reservists' pay or covering the cost of continuing their benefits. Employers who exceed the basics of the Act may find increases in loyalty, good will, and even publicity, but most take these extra steps out of a sense of what is right.
You are fortunate to work for an employer who goes to bat for the employees. You are also fortunate to work with Reservists who go to bat and battle for you.
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