AUBURN – The Maine National Guard recognized the Auburn School Department on Jan. 18 in a ceremony at Auburn Hall Community Room.

Brigadier General John Bubar, Maine Air National Guard commander, presented the “Above and Beyond” certificate of appreciation to the department. Jennifer Mercier submitted the Auburn School Department for recognition as their employee.

The department supported the Mercier family when Scott Mercier was deployed with the Maine Air National Guard.

Said Jennifer, “My employer supported me while my husband, Scott Mercier, was sent to Texas for two months. They allowed me to take six weeks’ leave, while continuing to be paid my full salary, so that I could be with my children during the hard time.

“Furthermore, they provided a laptop to do some work from home at my convenience. When school started, they allowed me to work school hours so that I could still be there for my children until Scott came home. They were very supportive. My employer is the Auburn School Department.”

Employer support to National Guard members is critical to allowing them to do their military job without the burden of worrying about their civilian employment. Most Maine employers have done everything possible to support the soldiers and airmen deployed to fight the war on terrorism. Support to family members is provided through a variety of military programs.