Serving one’s country is never an easy endeavor, but the cooperation of an employer can make a major difference.

Glacier National Bank’s Kelsi Chambers, a new accounts representative and teller at its Libby branch, clearly has the backing of her bosses.

Chambers nominated Glacier Vice President and Branch Manager George Mercer and Jill Beach, AVP Operations Supervisor, for the U.S. Department of Defense’s Guard and Reserve Patriot Award and last month they were presented with their awards.

The Department of Defense award recognizes civilian supervisors and bosses nominated directly by Montana National Guard members (or their spouses) for outstanding support of their military service.

Chambers joined the Army National Guard a little more than six years ago and works out of the Libby Armory. She recently re-enlisted. She is currently an E-5 Sgt. (Automated Logistical Specialist) as well as the mother of two - Natiley and Hailey - and a 1 1/2 year-old granddaughter. Her parents are Grant and Melissa Rider of Libby. Melissa is a Libby native while Grant is originally from Butler County, Pennsylvania.

She had two goals when she signed up - serve her country and help pay her student college loans.

“It’s a real sacrifice, but it’s definitely one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” Chambers said in an interview with The Western News. “I’m the first female in my family to serve and I’m proud I’ve been up to the task.”

Mercer, Beach and Chambers met with retired Command Sgt. Major Rob Terrio during the award presentation at the bank. Terrio served at Fort Harrison and is currently working at the Rainey Creek dam with Dick Anderson Construction.

Chambers, in her nomination letter, lauded Mercer and Beach for the support she receives.

“Thank you for recognizing their dedication and the positive impact they have made on my career and military service,” Chambers said. ‘I’ve had other employers who were not so understanding, so having that support is extremely meaningful.

“They exemplify the values recognized by the Patriot through their unwavering commitment to supporting me as a member of the National Guard.”

Chambers explained that Mercer and Beach have always demonstrated understanding, flexibility and continual support when it comes to fulfilling her military obligations. 

“Most importantly, they create an environment where I never feel conflicted about meeting my military responsibilities and I appreciate their support and willingness to ensure I never feel concerns about how my absence may affect my standing at work because I know it is an inconvenience and does affect the workload for them and my coworkers,” Chambers said.

Her National Guard career has afforded Chambers the opportunity to see places she wouldn’t have under normal circumstances.

Her detachment, Det 1 Co. A 372nd DSSB out of Libby, was at the Northern Strike in Michigan in 2023. It is one of the Department of Defense's largest and longest reserve component readiness exercises. It included more than 7,500 participants from 35 states and territories and nine international partners.

Chambers re-iterated her support for Mercer and Beach.

“I am grateful to have the opportunity to be able to work with and along side these two and Glacier Bank,” Chambers said.

    Montana National Guard retired Command Sgt. Major Rob Terrio, left, presents the U.S. Department of Defense’s Guard and Reserve Patriot Award to Glacier National Bank's Jill Beach, center. Army National Guard member Kelsi Chambers nominated Beach for the award. (Scott Shindledecker/The Western News)