MOORHEAD, Minn. – 1st Lt. Evan Thomas of the Army National Guard, is presenting the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Patriot Award to his supervisor Dr. Matthew Ames and Mrs. Laura Ames at Ames Orthodontics March 24th in Moorhead.

The award was given to Dr. and Laura Ames in support of their employee's service to the Minnesota National Guard. Thomas was very appreciative for their outstanding support and for going above and beyond to support his obligations to the Minnesota Army National Guard.

Dr. Ames and Laura did an excellent job in keeping up with Thomas’ last six years though his mobilizations, active-duty operational support orders, Federal Emergency Management Agency orders, Army schools, and annual training events. They have ensured he was kept up to date with changes along with keeping in contact with his immediate family by checking with them during employee’s deployments. Dr. Ames and Laura have extended benefits to Thomas while he was on orders. They also donated a treatment worth $8,500 to the benefit auction towards military member’s injuries sustained during deployment.

Thomas has stated “They are supportive and wonderful to work with when preparing to go on orders through granting time ahead or after orders to get things in line at home or prepare for a mission.” Also present was Lois Robinson the ESGR Region 1 Chair.

ESGR is a Department of Defense program which seeks to foster a culture in which
all employers support and value the employment and military service of members of the
National Guard and Reserve in the United States. For more information about ESGR
outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Photo left to right: Dr. Matthew Ames, Lois Robinson, and Mrs. Laura Ames
(Photo courtesy of 1st Lt. Evan Thomas of Ames Orthodontics)