What Did You Do Today - Ohio ESGR Boss-Lift

  • Published
  • By Maj. Jose A. Cardenas
  • 445th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  It was an early August morning as 19 employers from various business sectors across Ohio sat and listened to a pre-flight briefing prior to boarding a KC 135 Stratotanker. The mission on this particular morning happens to be a 2 hour and 30 minute air refueling training operation with an E-8C surveillance aircraft.

For members of the 121st Air Refueling Wing, Rickenbacker Air National Guard, Ohio, this was "business as usual." But for the 19 employers, this was the beginning of an incredible, eye-opening experience and adventure with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Boss-Lift program.

ESGR works to educate employers on the value that the Guard and Reservist members contribute to their companies. There are more than 27,000 National Guard and Reserve members in the state of Ohio, of which 85 percent have been called to service. ESGR's mission is to educate employers and families, as well as mediate issues in employment settings for the law.

One way the ESGR showcases to employers of Guard and Reserve members on what the Guardsmen and Reservists do in the military is through the Boss-Lift program. The program allows the civilian employers a chance to fly on military aircraft and see what goes on behind the scenes. Approximately six Boss Lifts are accomplished per year with more than 20 participants. Employers participating in the program take time out of their busy schedules to show their support for their employees who are juggling the responsibilities of their civilian career, family life and duties with the National Guard or Reserves.

Mr. Joseph A. Varrasso, Program Support, Ohio Committee, ESGR, who is also a member of the 220th Engineering Installation Squadron in Zanesville, Ohio, has been involved with the ESGR for four years. He explained that "The ESGR started about 1974 after Vietnam. After the draft was over, it was necessary for civilian employees to keep the Guard going ...after 911, the traditional Guard or Reservist was going beyond the annual two week commitment and most employees don't know what goes on - this gives them the opportunity to experience the pride that is here - and to know that their employee is providing a valuable service."

The Ohio ESGR consists of 150 volunteers and three full-time staff members who are responsible for budgeting and planning. Mr. Robert P. "Lance" Meyer, Military Services Coordinator, Ohio Committee for ESGR, added that the mission of the ESGR is two-fold because it gives the employer a chance to fly, see what's going on and all that is involved with the mission. It also gives us a chance to say thanks to all the employers who come out to show their support to the Guard and Reserve Members.

"We want to educate the employer on the professionalism. We know there are hardships on the employer when their employee is out for six months or a year - it is tough - but we like to think that they are getting a pretty good employee because they are drug free, they receive additional military training and professional leadership that can be brought to the workplace," Mr. Meyer said.

Following the pre-flight briefing the group went through the metal detector, were issued ear plugs, and loaded the bus to the flight line. Cameras were pulled out from bags and turned on - the anticipation of loading an aircraft for a military mission increased.

"This is so exciting - it definitely gives incite what our employees are involved with - so that we are more empathetic on their schedules. Employers need to let their employees off to train, and knowing what is involved with the training - gives the insight to what goes on. I would say that the majority of us had no idea what a refueling jet was even all about," Ms. Christine Adamcak, Westerville Family Health, said.

Another employer had rave reviews about the experience.

"Typically, people are oblivious what service members do. This opportunity provides that perspective to see the great honor, pride and hard working individuals that are dedicated to our country and their job," Mr. Will Bach, Dayton Chamber of Commerce, said.

Shortly after liftoff, the employers had the exclusive opportunity to go to the flight deck and observe, first hand, the refueling operation next to the boom operator.

"This is awesome - and to be able to go through this is exhilarating. I definitely think this program heightens an awareness of the Guard and Reserves. Most people are not aware of what goes on," Ms. Jane Krebs, Generation Dayton, said.

After the flight, the group of employers continued to take photos of the crew, the plane and each other, and reflect on what they had just experienced on this particular day. Mr. Meyer summed the experience up.

"This is nice that the employers all get a chance to see their folks in action - they see that they enjoy what they are doing and the professionalism. It beats a day at the office," he said.