Robert Shoeman, disabled veteran outreach program specialist for the Idaho Department of Labor in Post Falls, was awarded the highest award given to Guard volunteers.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve's James M. Roche Spirit of Volunteerism Award was announced during ESGR's Idaho annual meeting in Boise on April 25. The award is for patriotism, good citizenship and public responsibility. There are about 4,900 ESGR volunteers nationwide.

Shoeman has been involved with ESGR for more than 10 years. He is the group's employer outreach coordinator for North Idaho.

In North Idaho, 89 businesses have agreed to support the ESGR mission. The organization is starting a speaker series to educate the public on the need to support the Guard and Reserve.

When the North Idaho chairperson for ESGR resigned last year, Shoeman assumed the duties until a new person was appointed.

Shoeman was honored by the American Legion as the National Local Veteran Employment Representative of the Year in 2011. He served as chairman of the North Idaho Veterans Stand Down from 2001 to 2011. He is past vice president of the Hayden Chamber of Commerce.