GREAT FALLS, Mont. – Dawn Van Zandt of Schoolhouse IT was presented with a Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award. The award nomination came from Montana Army National Guard Sgt. Payten Zenahlik in recognition of Van Zandt’s extraordinary support of Zenahlik’s military obligations.
Montana ESGR Volunteer Ombudsman Kaitlyn Mitcham presented the award to Van Zandt with all of her employees attending the event including her husband who is her business partner.
The Patriot Award was developed by ESGR, an office of the Department of Defense, to publicly recognize civilian employers who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to their civilian employees serving in the Guard or Reserve. Employer support is key to maintaining the strength and readiness of the nation’s Guard and Reserve.
The nomination reads, “I am currently ready to get out of the Montana Army National Guard and going through the process of a VA Disability claim. I was sent certified mail requesting my presence at a doctor’s appointment that could not be rescheduled. The day of the appointment, I was scheduled to be out of the office on the road at a site providing technology support. With a two-day notice, I informed my boss of the emergent doctor appointment that could not be rescheduled. Without hesitation, my boss told me she could easily work on site where I was supposed to be and that this was not a huge concern to worry about. Her ability to take my spot-on site at a location over twenty-five miles away from the office was selfless and put my mind at ease about the medical appointment. I have never had a boss that is willing to help out at such short notice.”
Van Zandt stated she was “very honored to receive the award.” Schoolhouse IT is a computer consultant business managing technology ecosystems for schools, businesses, and nonprofits.
Congratulations Dawn Van Zandt for being a supportive civilian employer of our country’s service members. You provide a valuable service to our country by hiring Guard and Reserve members.
ESGR is celebrating over 50 years of working to foster a culture in which all employer support and value the employment and military service of members of the United States National Guard and Reserve. For more information about ESGR outreach programs visit www.ESGR.mil.
Photo: Dawn Van Zandt of Schoolhouse IT, far left, was presented with a Department of Defense Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award. The award nomination came from Montana Army National Guard Sgt.t Payten Zenahlik, center, in recognition of Van Zandt’s extraordinary support of Sergeant Zenahlik’s military obligations. Montana ESGR Volunteer Ombudsman Kaitlyn Mitcham, left, presented the award to Van Zandt with all of her employees attending the event including her husband who is her business partner.