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ITD goes “above and beyond” to support reservists

Idaho guardsman Julian Clark was on his lunch break last February when he came across an announcement of a job fair at Gowen Field. He was looking for a good job to provide for his wife and three young children.

He found something much more than that.

Clark, an aviation helicopter mechanic, saw an ITD booth and decided to check out the agency’s employment opportunities. He was hired on the spot to join District 3’s drill crew in the materials section. A couple of months into his new job, Clark needed to leave for a two-month National Guard training session.

He had been through the stressful experience of explaining his National Guard duties to employers. He lost one job in Ohio because an employer wouldn’t accommodate his training needs. Clark didn’t get that kind of response from his supervisors at ITD - he got a promotion.

Special Crew Foreman Dave Dansereau had been noticing Clark’s dependability and quick learning skills. He hired Clark to join his crew upon his return from training.

Dansereau regularly accommodates Clark’s various scheduling needs for his duties with the Guard. He was surprised, though, when he was honored by the Idaho chapter of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). Unbeknown to Dansereau, Clark had nominated him for the "Above and Beyond Award."

Executive Director Dick Deam presented the award to Dansereau Wednesday at the District 3 office.

“While some employers avoid hiring reservists, ITD actually seeks them out,” said Deam. “ITD also goes well beyond the legal requirements for allowing leave for Guard duties. This agency understands that Guard members make valuable employees.”

Dansereau agrees.

He admits that accommodating Guard duties can be a challenge at times – but never a problem. “I have the utmost respect for those who serve in the military,” said Dansereau. “What we have is because of them.”

While Dansereau has a quality employee, Clark has found a home in ITD District 3.

“I enjoy coming to work,” said Clark. I also enjoy being able to continue my training in the Idaho Guard. It’s the best of both worlds.”

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Photo: Dave Dansereau receives the "Above and Beyond" award for ITD's support of military reservists. Dick Deam presented the award Wednesday in Boise.