At the Job Service North Dakota-Minot office, "honoring those that serve" echoed the halls Johanna Johnson, customer service consultant, recently was honored with an award of Excellence in Service for her work with the veterans of western North Dakota.
In recognition of the award, Johnson was given the opportunity to donate $500 to the charity of her choice. She chose the North Dakota National Guard Emergency Relief Fund. Johnson operates and manages a Job Service office in New Town, which reaches clients from all over northwestern North Dakota.
"Part of this award is giving back to people she serves," said Susan Ogurek, veteran employment representative.
Johnson works with veterans from every branch of service and decided her donation should assist soldiers and airmen in need, assisted by the N.D. National Guard's Emergency Relief Fund.
The N.D. National Guard Foundation is a private, nonprofit, charitable organization that supports programs beneficial to N.D. National Guard members and their families. The foundation has two primary support activities - the North Dakota National Guard Tragedy Assistance Programs for Survivors, also known as TAPS, and the Emergency Relief Fund or ERF.
Capt. Steven Bohl, 164th Engineer Battalion officer in charge, accepted the donation from Job Service on behalf of the N.D. National Guard. "Job Service provides critical services to our veterans and has historically been a strong supporter of our Emergency Relief Fund which supports our Guard members and their families," he said.
The N.D. National Guard Emergency Relief Fund provides financial support to Guardsmen in unforeseen emergency situations, such as natural disasters, accident, illness, fire or theft. All N.D. National Guard soldiers, airmen and their dependents are eligible for assistance.