HELENA, Mont. – During the Sept. 20 Lewis and Clark County Commission meeting Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (Montana ESGR) volunteer Tim Fox presented Lewis and Clark County Public Works Supervisors Jess Makus and Christian Lehnert with the Department of Defense Spouse Patriot Award for their outstanding support of their employee Jade Wills who is the spouse of a member of the Montana Army National Guard. Also presenting and commenting on supportive employers of our Montana Guard members was Montana Army National Guard Brig. Gen. General Jamie Wilkins, Director, Joint Staff Montana Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ) The Spouse Patriot Award was developed by ESGR, a Department of Defense office, to publicly recognize civilian employers who provide outstanding patriotic support and cooperation to the spouse of a Guard or Reserve. Though not required by law, many employers voluntarily assist Guard and Reserve spouses, who often share the challenges of military service. Childcare, managing the household, and work schedules often have to be adjusted when one spouse leaves to serve our country. Jess has been so phenomenal and understanding, stated Wills in the nomination for Jess Makus. “My husband is in the midst of a twelve-month deployment. We have three small children (currently, 11, 3, and 10 months), and I work full time. Jess has been so kind and not only been a supervisor but a confidant and safe place to vent or talk with me about struggles. The support I have received in the workplace is unwavering whether it be flexibility of my schedule, the ability to remotely work to make up missed hours, the support, and the general concern for mine and my families wellbeing. “ Wills commented in the award nomination for Christian Lehnert, “Christian has been so supportive during this time and has allowed me flexibility with my schedule for any absences- sick kids, appointments, or when I honestly needed to go home and get some rest. It is so apparent am more than just an employee and mine and my family’s needs and wellbeing are considered and cared about.” Congratulations Jess Makus and Christian Lehnert with the Lewis and Clark County Public Works- Special Districts for being supportive employers of a Montana Army National Guard member spouse. For more information about ESGR visit ESGR.mil. Photo: Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (Montana ESGR) volunteer Tim Fox, far left, presented Lewis and Clark County Public Works Supervisors Jess Makus and Christian Lehnert with the Department of Defense Spouse Patriot Award for their outstanding support of their employee Jade Wills who is the spouse of a member of the Montana Army National Guard. Also presenting and commenting on supportive employers of our Montana Guard members was Montana Army National Guard Brigadier General Jamie Wilkins. Director, Joint Staff Montana Joint Force Headquarters (JFHQ). Left to right, Montana ESGR Volunteer Tim Fox, Jade Wills, Christian Lehnert, Jess Makus, and Montana Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Jamie Wilkins.