PONDERAY — Since working at Specialty Auto Glass, Aaron Curtright has also answered the call as a national guardsman, responding to civil unrest missions in Washington D.C. and attending trainings at the Mountain Home Air Force Base, service he said would have been difficult to fulfill without the support of his employer, Cory Thompson. 

"They've been very supportive of my obligation to guard since they hired me," said Curtright. 

To show his appreciation, Curtright nominated Thompson and his co-worker, Nelson Bailey, for recognition by the Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve, a program dedicated to promoting cooperation and understanding between part-time military personnel and their civilian employers. 

"I had to put those guys in for an award because I know they were picking up some slack in my absence," said Curtright. "It's been great to be received and supported in the civilian place of employment." 

Thompson and Bailey received a Patriotic Employer award from the program Wednesday, recognizing their support for employee participation in the National Guard. 

The recognition came as a surprise for Thompson, who wasn't expecting it. 

Since hiring Curtright, Thompson said he's learned more about the significance of the National Guard. 

"It's important. I mean, you've got to have these guys out there," said Thompson. "As a nation, we need these people." 

As a military force that responds to emergencies and national defense needs, Curtright said the National Guard provides relief for communities. 

Curtright recalled his duty during the COVID-19 pandemic.  When assisting in running a drive-through test line for the virus, he said the goal was not to convince people to get vaccinated, but to offer comfort and resources for those in distress. 

For many soldiers, Curtright said the National Guard fills many roles, as coming out of duty and transitioning to civilian life can be jarring. 

"It's kind of nice to have that transition time, and sometimes you just wind up enjoying doing it," said Curtright. "Having a supportive employer just makes my life so much easier."