The Idaho National Laboratory has long benefited from employees who also serve as National Guard and Reserve members. Three lab employees were recently recognized for their efforts to support colleagues in these unique roles.
The lab showcased its support by holding an awards ceremony for the employees. The event underscored the importance of supporting those who serve our nation in dual roles.
The Patriot Awards were presented by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense office. The award honors supervisors who demonstrate unwavering support to guard and reserve members through measures such as flexible schedules and family care. Robert Earley, an INL Protective Force member and Idaho National Guard soldier, nominated supervisors Dave Willis and Eric Nield, as well as benefits specialist Tamera Tolman for their exemplary commitment to service members.
“Dave and Eric have shown exceptional understanding of the responsibilities that come with being citizen-soldiers,” Earley said. “They’ve not only accommodated my military obligations but have also leveraged my military leadership skills, which enriches our workforce.”
“Tamera is not my supervisor, but she is 100% deserving of recognition due to her stewardship and initiatives regarding the military leave policy at INL, combined with her unfailing emphasis on supporting National Guard and reservists who work here.”
Battelle Energy Alliance was also honored with the Above and Beyond Award for its extraordinary support of guard and reserve servicemen and women.
Earley emphasized the alignment between INL Pro Force’s operational needs and the skills acquired through military service. “It’s not just the training, but the resilience, adaptability and determination that are intrinsic to military life that benefit Pro Force,” Earley said. “These officers are accustomed to demanding tasks and a disciplined structure, which is parallel to our operations here at INL.”
Earley also highlighted the value of hiring serving guard or reserve members. “They bring back operational and leadership skills from their military duty that directly benefit INL, providing a level of professional development that is difficult to replicate in the civilian sector.”
The award ceremony was attended by notable figures such as Laboratory Director John Wagner and Deputy Laboratory Director and Chief Research Officer Todd Combs. Robert Boston, Department of Energy-Idaho Operations Office manager, and ESGR Idaho Committee representatives Scott Reese and Nyle Fullmer were also present, alongside Brig. Gen. James Packwood, who is responsible for the readiness of Army National Guard units across Idaho, and other representatives from the Idaho National Guard.
The ESGR, established in 1972, has fostered cooperation between reserve component service members and their civilian employers. It has advocated for the employment and military service of guard and reserve members across the United States for over half a century, with the goal of ensuring these citizen warriors can count on meaningful civilian employment.
These awards reinforce the critical role that supportive employers like INL play in the broader context of national security and innovation. By valuing the unique skills and experiences of service members, INL fosters a workforce adept at tackling the complex challenges of both national defense and advanced scientific research.
