The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve agency presented an award during the Washington County Board of Supervisors’ meeting Tuesday.

Jim Freese, a 30-year veteran and volunteer for ESGR, which exists within the U.S. Department of Defense, presented the Seven Seals Award to the county, which was nominated by Washington County Attorney John Gish. Gish returned this week after a months-long tour of duty with the U.S. Army Reserve to the Middle East, and he said the nomination was a token of his gratitude. He mentioned the unusual matter of his job, as he is not just employed by one person, but by the roughly 22,000 county residents.

Freese stated that this award recognizes the critical support an employer provides to those who serve in the military, and he thanked Gish for his service, “But as a part-time member of the reserves, the majors are required to maintain the same standards as his active duty, full-time counterparts. Same standards as far as qualifications in his military occupational specialty, same standards as far as professional military education, and same standards as far as physical fitness. Take it from me, that’s not easy to do. Also I want to thank the major for recognizing the important role that his employer plays in the success of his military career.”

Following the presentation the board approved a personnel change request for the attorney’s office, changing Anthony Janney’s position from full-time to hourly on call as Gish transitions back to work. Janney was hired to take over Gish’s cases in his absence, and he thanked Janney for his fantastic work.