North Idaho Log Furniture was given the Patriot Award by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve on Wednesday. (COEUR d'ALENE)

The Coeur d'Alene business is owned by Dan Booterbaugh and his wife, Kelli. Booterbaugh received his award at a luncheon and Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act workshop sponsored by the ESGR at the Department of Labor. The award is given for employer support of the guardsmen and reservists.

"He's just very supportive of the (National) Guard," said employee Jeremy Sells, a sergeant with Alpha Company 145th BSB. The Hayden Lake man deployed with the Idaho National Guard's 116th Cavalry Brigade to Iraq a few years ago and he remains in the National Guard.

North Idaho Log Furniture has employed Sells on and off for 12 years, since he came to Booterbaugh at 13 years of age looking for a summer job.

Sells said Booterbaugh is always willing to work around his drill and training schedule, and has supported him through basic training and deployment to Iraq. Sells was even able to recruit a fellow employee into the National Guard.

"He's (Booterbaugh) a great guy and what a great attitude," said Robert Shoeman, veterans representative for the Department of Labor.

Booterbaugh said his support is one of his ways of giving back.

"It's just important because the country is at war and any support these young guys have is important," he said.

(Exerpt from the CDA Press)