ST. JOSEPH, Mo. – Commerce Bank, in St. Joseph, Mo., knows how to support its military members.

Three supervisors at the Felix Street branch were presented a Patriot Award on Tuesday by John Murawski of the Missouri Committee of Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve. President Emil Sechter, Senior Vice-President Bob Dempster and Executive Vice-President Corky Marquart were nominated for the award by Sgt. Rob Payeur, of the 139th Airlift Wing, who serves as a commercial relationship manager at the bank.

“I nominated them based on their support from interviews up through training,” said Payeur. “They supported me in leadership school, which was for six weeks, and possibly 20 weeks in the future. I don’t ever have to feel bad about leaving.”

Sechter, Dempster and Marquart were all presented with a framed certificate of the Patriot Award, which is given to employers who show exceptional support for their employees who are members of the National Guard or Reserves. Sechter said supporting Payeur’s decision to advance his military career will also help his career at the bank.

“We believe this is what Rob wanted,” said Sechter. “It’s good for him and good for us in the long run as well. It’s a no-brainer.”

“I held off for eight years with previous employers,” added Payeur. “I saved my nomination for a company that really deserved it.”

ESGR is a Department of Defense organization established to promote cooperation and understanding between Guard and Reserve members and their civilian employees. It also assists in the resolution of conflicts that arise due to an employee’s military commitment.

For more information about the Missouri National Guard, please call 1-800-GoGuard or visit www.moguard.com.