HELENA, Mont. – During a September Lewis and Clark County Commission Meeting, Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Vice Chair 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.

Montana National Guard Director of the Joint Staff Brig. Gen. James Wilkins added his congratulations and support to Wills and her supervisors during the presentation.

The Spouse Patriot Award was developed by Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (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.

Wills nominations lauded both Makus and Lehnert for being phenomenal and understanding. “My husband is in the midst of a 12-month deployment. We have three small children and I work full time. The support I have received in the workplace is unwavering whether it be flexibility of my schedule, and taking time off for appointments, kid events, or just some time for myself. I could not possibly get through this trying time without the support I have received.”

Congratulations Lewis and Clark County Public Works Supervisors Jess Makus and Christian Lehnert!

Photo: Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Vice Chair, 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 who is the spouse of a member of the Montana Army National Guard. Pictured left to right: Tim Fox, military spouse Jade Wills, Lewis and Clark County Public Works Supervisors Christian Lehnert and Jess Makus, and Montana National Guard Director of the Joint Staff Brig. Gen. James Wilkins.