AUBURN – The Maine National Guard saluted Maine Oxy-Acetylene Supply Co. on Monday afternoon for the firm’s continuing support for four of its employees serving in Iraq.

Sgt. Scott P. St. Pierre of Hebron, one of those soldiers, presented the Patriotic Employer Award to Bruce W. Albiston, chief executive officer of Maine Oxy.

St. Pierre, a member of Maine’s 133rd Engineering Battalion, has been home for two weeks. He returns to Iraq today.

In addition to St. Pierre, the Auburn company’s employees in Iraq are Sgt. Robert T. Smith of Mechanic Falls, Sgt. Kirby G. Touchette of Otisfield and Sgt. William P. Saber of Northfield, N.H.

Maj. Steve Hatt of the Air National Guard, executive director of the Maine Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, said, “Occasionally, we find exceptionally supportive employers that have gone above and beyond the requirements of the law, and have even encouraged and accommodated employees to participate in the Guard and Reserve, making it easier for reservists to balance their employment and military obligations.

“Maine Oxy-Acetylene Supply Co. is one such employer that has gone above the norm in support of their fellow co-workers,” he said.

The Patriotic Employer Awards are made upon nomination by reservists.

Albiston recalled that the firm learned in November 2003 that the 133rd Engineering Battalion was to be activated soon. That meant three valued employees would be leaving for duty. Shortly thereafter, he was informed that the Military Police Reserve unit of Laconia, N.H., had also been activated, and that meant one more employee, William Saber, his branch manager, had been called up.

“We continue to support our employees, our troops, and their families in any way we can,” Albiston said. He noted that “care packages” are sent on a monthly basis, and these might also include items to be shared with those less fortunate.

“We have sent items such as snack foods, spices, cards, games, toys, toiletries and other assorted food stuff items. Items always in high demand include phone calling cards, DVDs, and any information from home, such as newsletters, magazines, letters and newspapers,” Albiston said. He added that computer e-mail has proven to be an important tool for keeping in touch.

Maine Oxy has provided support to the soldiers’ families with assistance on home heating issues, insurance concerns, and aid in lifting heavy items around the house, when necessary.

“The activated employees continue to share the benefits of being a Maine Oxy employee even while they are away,” Albiston said. “These benefits may be in the form of the sharing of pictures from company events, local news and information along with other Maine Oxy advantages as they are made available.”

Hatt said, “Today, the Reserve components comprise nearly half of the total force – 1.3 million active duty and 1.2 military reserve. As a result, employers are being asked to tolerate a much greater level of employee absence and related matters. In fact, in Maine alone, the war on terrorism has had a direct impact on some 3,000 of the 6,000 Reserve citizen soldiers.”

St. Pierre began work at Maine Oxy in May of 1997 as a Class A truck driver, a position he still holds today.

Smith started with the firm in 1994 and has held various positions, most recently warehouse supervisor.

Touchette was first employed at Maine Oxy in 1993 and has held different positions, most recently Class B route driver for local deliveries and backup Class A driver.

Saber began work at Maine Oxy in early 1998 as an inside sales representative and Class B route driver. He was promoted to branch manager shortly thereafter.

Also representing the Maine Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve at the ceremony was retired Capt. Leroy Fournier of the Naval Reserve.

Hatt described the committee as a Department of Defense agency made up of 4,500 volunteer members nationwide. The Maine committee consists of 40 volunteer members throughout Maine.