Collin Palmquist receives Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award

Collin Palmquist, owner of Palmquist Dentistry, received the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Patriot Award on March 16.

Palmquist was nominated by his employee Samantha Nei.

In her nomination, Nei wrote, “I have been employed by Collin Palmquist at Palmquist Dental since 2012. My spouse, Maj. Michael Nei, has been on active duty out at the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Virginia, since August of 2018.”

The couple attempted to move to the East Coast where Michael is stationed, but later decided that it was in their children’s best interest to raise them in Watertown, according to a news release.

“Michael comes home about once a month to see us. It has been very difficult on all of us,” Nei’s nomination letter read. “Dr. Palmquist has been more than understanding when it comes to my personal life. He has allowed me the time off I have needed to raise my children while my spouse is away. In addition, Dr. Palmquist hired me back at his office after we had moved back to (South Dakota) from (Virginia). I am very grateful for his support throughout the years!”

Employer support of the Guard and Reserve is a Department of Defense organization comprised of volunteers in each state and was established in 1972 to promote cooperation between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers.

This article originally appeared on Watertown Public Opinion: Palmquist receives Employer Support of the Guard Reserve Patriot Award