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The National Guard's place in the armed forces, with members simultaneously serving in civilian roles and standing ready to be called, creates its own unique dynamic. It's important that any discussion of relationships between military branches and the population as a whole includes guardsmen and their communities, especially employers. Keeping the bonds between military personnel and their workplaces strong is important to the men and women who serve.

Base outing for employers
The Bismarck Tribune recently highlighted an outreach program by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense initiative meant to "promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers." In this case, managers from several companies ended up touring the North Dakota National Guard Regional Training Institute at Camp Grafton.

The trip was meant to thank the employers for their flexibility, because when they hire National Guard or Reserve members, they do so with the knowledge that their employees may be called up in times of crisis. According to the Bismarck Tribune, several of the individuals taking the tour were recipients of the Patriot Award. This means they have made helpful accommodations to ensure there is no conflict between work responsibilities and leaving for deployment. Leaves of absence with no negative consequences let people fully embrace their roles as both military member and civilian.

The newspaper explained that the supervisors learned where their workers go when they are on duty and what being a member of the Guard entails. They also received a helicopter ride from Grand Forks International Airport to Camp Grafton, getting a bird's-eye view of the facility. The base is primarily meant to train military engineers, and their duties include everything from construction to demolition. Maj. Raymond Ripplinger told the news provider that culinary specialists and officer candidates also receive instruction at Camp Grafton.

Promising guardsmen they will have roles to return to is a hugely valued trait from employers.Service members value work opportunities following their time in the military.

Award for outstanding supervisor
A Globe Gazette report from Mason City, Iowa, provided a clear example of what it takes for an employer to win a Patriot Award. In this case, Jeremiah Steinberg received the honor after ensuring Master Sgt. Robert Dean his duties at Mercy Medical Center would be fully covered while he served in the Iowa Air National Guard, and that the role would still be his upon his return. Dean explained this gave him great peace of mind, allowing him to train secure in the knowledge that he and his family would not have to worry while he searched for a new job. The news source explained that Dean's tour of duty was nine months, no small amount of time. Ensuring that it was no barrier to his staying with the medical center earned Steinberg his award.

Companies with National Guard and Reserve members among their ranks can emulate the above examples and show their workers they are welcome, even if service has to interrupt their everyday duties. The gratitude they receive will show they've done the right thing.