ANACORTES, Wash. – Emily Schuh, administrative service director, and Jim Lemberg, fiber internet manager, both of the City of Anacortes, were presented with a Patriot Award by John Van Dalen, an ombudsman with the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of their extraordinary support of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve.

The award presentation occurred at the Anacortes City Council meeting in which Mayor Matt Miller, council members and the public attended.

Schuh and Lemberg were nominated by Washington Army National Guardsman 2nd Lt. Joseph J. Edwards who works as an outside plant coordinator for the City of Anacortes. “Jim and Emily have been supportive of my commitment to the Washington National Guard,” said Edwards. 

“The Patriot Award was created by ESGR to publicly recognize individuals who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their employees who have answered their nation’s call to serve,” said Van Dalen. “Supportive supervisors are critical to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve units.”

The support that Edwards received from Schuh and Lemberg was indicative how that support directly translates to maintaining the strength and readiness of the Reserve Component. “All together, I have been gone for training and deployments for 17 months and never once they complained,” Edwards said at the award presentation. “Without hesitation, when I have requested time off for military obligations it is a resounding, “of course Joe, do what you have to do.””

“National Guard and Reserve members bring tremendous skills and capabilities to our workforce, and employer support for their military service is critical to maintaining the strength of our Guard and Reserve units,” said Van Dalen. “By valuing the military service of their Guard and Reserve employees, employers are directly supporting the readiness and retention of our All-Volunteer Force, and our national defense.”

“Both of them [Schuh and Lemberg] understand when I return from my military duty time is needed for me to readjust to be an effective team member here,” said Edwards. “I do realize that they both have a heavy task filling my position when I am gone. Because the work doesn’t stop when I leave.”

ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.esgr.mil/WA.

Pictured: Emily Schuh (middle), administrative service director, and Jim Lemberg (second from left), fiber internet manager, both of the City of Anacortes, were presented with a Patriot Award by John Van Dalen (far left), an ombudsman with the Washington Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Committee, in recognition of their extraordinary support of their employees serving in the Guard and Reserve. Schuh and Lemberg were was nominated by Washington Army National Guardsman 2nd Lt. Joseph J. Edwards (second from right) who works as an outside plant coordinator for the City of Anacortes.  Also present at the award presentation was Anacortes Mayor Matt Miller (far right).