There was one person missing from the ceremony Wednesday, a soldier who's absence inspired Mark Olson to step up.

"I think it's important that employers back their employees especially when they go to the military and back like we do,” says Olson.

Olson is the District Manager at Madison Gas and Electric in Elroy. One of his employees, Scott Gates is a National Guard soldier with the 128th Infantry. He's serving overseas, but nominated Olson for the "My Boss is a Patriot" award.

"I didn't know what to think about it at first I thought it would be quite an honor to have this presented to me,” says Olson.

The award is from the Wisconsin Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. It's given to people like Olson, because they make the transition back to active duty so smooth for the soldiers who work for them.

"We're just proud that we have a company that supports us so much and I know Scott's proud to be involved with a company like this,” says Gates’ wife, Barb.

Barb and the couple's two sons condor and Colton were there for the honor Friday. Barb says the company extended health care benefits for them, and is helping make up for any lost wages. Olson says he's lucky to have gates as an employee and the entire town is like family.

"We're a tight knit group up here,” says Olson.

Leo Clark with the committee that gives out the award, says employers like this are key in having successful deployments.

"It gives you a sense of pride to know that people in the community are doing not only their job but more than their job as an American citizen to make it easier for our troops to do their job,” says Clark.

There are one point three million members of the National Guard and Reserve.

If you'd like to nominate an employer for the award, you can go to the link below.