Idaho ESGR

06/09/2026

Got heart? Got time? Got a spot on our ESGR team!

06/06/2026

On May 21, Idaho ESGR had the privilege of recognizing Ryan Riley, Dave Huffman, and Spencer Matthews of Stemregen for their outstanding support of military service members and their families.

Ryan, Dave, and Spencer each received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriotic Employer Award, while Stemregen was presented with the ESGR Above and Beyond Award, an honor reserved for employers who go beyond the requirements of USERRA by providing meaningful, non-mandated support support to their Guard and Reserve employees.

The nomination came from SGT Conor Cook of the Idaho National Guard 183rd Aviation Battalion, who praised Stemregen for “creating a culture that truly honors military service and family commitment.” He noted that the company’s actions throughout his deployment reflected an extraordinary level of support that exceeded legal requirements and set a standard for employers across the nation.

One of the most meaningful examples of that commitment came when company leadership worked tirelessly to secure pay approval during Conor’s deployment. As Ryan shared, it wasn’t easy, but we fought hard for it because, "Conor is worth it, and it’s the right thing to do.”

Those words speak volumes about the character, leadership, and values that define Stemregen. Supporting those who serve is more than a policy, it’s a commitment, and Stemregen has demonstrated what that commitment looks like in action.

Congratulations to Ryan, Dave, Spencer, and the entire Stemregen/Fifth Hammer team on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for setting an example of what it means to support those who serve our nation.

05/31/2026

On May 14, Idaho ESGR had the honor of recognizing Beth Paul and Andrea Jones of St. Alphonsus Medical Group Boise with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriotic Employer Awards.

They were nominated by E-4 Lacy Lind of the Idaho National Guard who shared how their leadership has made a meaningful impact on her ability to serve.

Lacy expressed deep appreciation for the way her Manager and Team Lead consistently support her military commitment, ensuring she has the flexibility she needs while still keeping operations running smoothly. Their dedication, understanding, and willingness to adapt reflect the true spirit of what this award represents.

Thank you, Beth and Andrea, for fostering a workplace where service members can thrive both in uniform and on the job. Your support strengthens our Guard and our Idaho community.

05/30/2026

On May 14, Idaho ESGR proudly recognized Randy Flegel and Anthony Glenn of the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Office with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriotic Employer Award.

They were nominated by Chief Warrant Officer 2 Dino Vidal of the Idaho National Guard, who shared how their support has made a real difference in his ability to serve.

CW2 Vidal highlighted how Bonneville Sheriff's Office has consistently fought to keep him on his shift, even when Guard duties pulled him away and left the team short‑staffed. Randy has gone above and beyond to ensure Dino always had the time he needed for trainings, checked in regularly on how those trainings were going, and even reached out to Dino’s family every week during his 2022 overseas deployment.

This level of commitment, compassion, and flexibility is exactly what the Patriotic Employer Award is meant to honor. Thank you, Randy and Anthony, for standing behind your service members and strengthening the bond between the Guard and our Idaho communities.

05/25/2026

Today, on this Memorial Day, Idaho ESGR had the privilege of honoring the life and legacy of Don Carlock with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Twice‑the‑Citizen Award, a recognition reserved for volunteers who pass away while still actively serving, and who embodied the very best of what it means to serve both nation and community.

This award reflects not only Don’s military and ESGR service, but the lifelong devotion he poured into his fellow veterans, his community, and the values of patriotism, integrity, and service that guided every chapter of his life.

Don served an extraordinary 41 years in the Idaho Air National Guard, rising to the highest enlisted rank attainable: Wing Command Chief Master Sergeant. He earned numerous medals, honors, and distinctions throughout his career, yet those who knew him will tell you he never served for recognition. Don believed service was about showing up, working hard, and taking care of the people beside you.

His impact didn’t end with his military retirement. Don continued to serve through countless volunteer roles, especially in organizations supporting veterans. He lived by a personal motto that shaped everything he did: “Service is the rent we pay for living on this earth.” And Don paid that rent generously, humbly, and without hesitation.

But above all his accomplishments, Don was most proud of his family. His legacy — one of leadership, humility, compassion, and unwavering devotion to duty — lives on through them and through every life he touched.

Today, we honor Don’s memory.
We honor his service.
We honor the example he set for all of us.

May we strive to live with the same integrity, the same heart, and the same commitment to others that Don carried every day.
Thank you, Don.
Your service lives on in the community you loved and lifted.

A special thank‑you to Kuna American Legion Post 142 for graciously hosting today’s ceremony and providing a place for all of us to honor Don together.

05/24/2026

05/20/2026

🚁 Bosslift Photo Drop! 🚁
We’re still riding the momentum from Idaho ESGR’s May 14 Bosslift, so it’s time to share another photo set.

For anyone who didn't see our recent post, Bosslift brings civilian employers onto military aircraft and into training environments so they can see firsthand what their Guard and Reserve employees do when they serve. It’s one of ESGR’s most powerful tools for building understanding, strengthening support, and showcasing the incredible skills our Service Members bring back to the workplace. Plus it's a lot of patriotic fun!

Thanks again to the Idaho National Guard for making this happen! ❤️🤍💙

Now that you’ve seen the recap…
📸 Here come the photos from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve volunteer Jamie Page 📸

05/18/2026

Idaho ESGR hosted a Bosslift event on May 14, giving employers from across the state a firsthand look at the missions, training, and capabilities of our National Guard and Reserve service members. Bosslifts are a key part of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve employer outreach program, offering employers the chance to see what their Guard and Reserve employees do when they put on the uniform.

Participants learned how ESGR supports both employers and service members, and saw up close the skills and dedication our military personnel bring back to their civilian workplaces. ESGR’s goal is to strengthen understanding, build supportive workplaces, and recognize employers who go above and beyond.

We appreciate the employers who took the time to attend and deepen their connection to Idaho’s Guard and Reserve community. And a big thank you to Idaho National Guard for welcoming everyone to Gowen Field!

Photos by Louis Katz — more photos can be found at https://lbkatz.com/boss-lift-2026

05/12/2026

In April, Idaho ESGR held its Annual Planning and Awards Meeting (APAM) — an all‑day session open to Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve volunteers from across the state. Attendees spent the day planning for the year ahead, participating in training, and celebrating the incredible accomplishments of our dedicated volunteer team.

A huge congratulations to this year’s award recipients:
🌟 Rising Star – Lavonia Ragsdale
🙌 Unsung Heroes – Ken Baumgartner and Jamie Page
🏆 Seven Seals Award – Steve Eisele
🏆 ID ESGR Volunteers of the Year – Linda Eisele and Cindy Reese
🐐 G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time) Award – Dianne Nordhaus, Honoring 33 years of dedicated service to ESGR and serving multiple state committees

Several volunteers were also awarded service pins for milestone years of service. Thank you to every volunteer who gives their time, energy, and heart to support Idaho’s service members and employers. Your impact is felt statewide, and we’re proud to celebrate you.

01/02/2026

On December 23, Idaho ESGR proudly presented the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriotic Employer Award to Doug Williams, Jenny Hawkes, and Dallas Jones of the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office.

They were nominated by ARNG Sgt. Luke Zitting, who shared how their unwavering support made it possible for him to meet his military obligations — even on short notice — during a time when the agency was already short‑staffed.

Their flexibility, understanding, and commitment to Sgt. Zitting’s service exemplify what true employer support looks like. Thank you for standing behind those who serve our nation both at home and abroad.