By Alexander Baker, Lead STEM Intern

At Project: Return to Work, we know our mission depends on dedicated partners. Our community—including employers, government leaders, and advocates—ensures veterans and military families receive vital support. That’s why we proudly highlight a recent recognition in Boulder County, showing the power of this collective effort.

Natalie Springett, Commissioners’ Deputy for Boulder County, was recently presented with the ESGR Patriot Award by Rob Brazell, Boulder area chair for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The award was given in recognition of her outstanding support of Boulder County employees serving in the National Guard and Reserve.

The Patriot Award honors supervisors who support service members through flexible schedules, time off, family care, and leaves of absence. It is nominated by service members or their families—meaning this recognition came from those Natalie has directly impacted.

Boulder County Government shared this story on their social media, and we were moved to see this kind of leadership recognized publicly. You can read their full post here:  Boulder County Government on Instagram.

All credit belongs to ESGR for championing employer support for our military community, and to Boulder County and Natalie Springett for embodying the exact values this award represents.

At R2W, we are proud to work with fellow community leaders who make supporting veterans and military families a shared priority. Natalie’s story demonstrates the impact one leader can have—but also reminds us that meaningful support happens when a whole community believes in serving those who serve.

To learn more about ESGR, the Patriot Award, or how you can get involved in supporting service members, visit esgr.mil today.