AUBURN – The National Guard will officially thank the city Public Works Department for its support this afternoon.

Sgt. Maj. Paul Luce will present the city the Patriotic Employer Award at 11:45 p.m. at the city Public Works Department. The award is given to employers who went out of their way to support enlisted employees.

“It’s nominated by the employees to recognize that their employer was supportive,” Luce said.

Auburn has two employees, equipment operator Bob Bussiere and Highway Supervisor Gary O’Connell. Both were deployed in Iraq with the 133rd Engineer Battalion until last month.

Sid Hazelton, assistant public works director, said the city tried to keep in touch with both Bussiere and O’Connell via e-mail while they were in Iraq. City staff also collected Christmas cards for the men and sent them regular care packages.

Luce said he’s given at least 40 of the awards to Maine employers since the 133rd returned.

“It’s a way that we try to recognize that the National Guard, as an entity, cannot exist without the support of families and employers and the goodwill of the community at large,” Luce said.