Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind. -- Indiana’s Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard are always working together in support of the nation’s defense, but recently they came together in support of the employers who support them.
Thirty-seven employers visited Grissom Aug. 18-19, 2016 for an employer orientation experience designed to show what reservists and guardsmen do when they are away from their civilian jobs.
Joining the 434th Air Refueling Wing on 'Team Indiana Bosslift' were the Indiana Air National Guard’s 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the 181st Intelligence Wing, Terre Haute, Indiana.
“Our Airmen [in the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserves] play a vital role to the nation’s defense, and we couldn’t perform our mission without the support of their employers,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. “Our main goal was to educate employers about the reserve and let them see firsthand the important mission their reservists support when they are away from their civilian jobs.”
While the 122nd FW was showing their folks around Baer Field, employers from the 434th ARW and the 181st Intelligence Wing kicked off the event with a tour of the Marine Corps Reserve to learn about their mission and receive a hands-on experience with the weapons and equipment used by the detachment.
“I was so impressed by everything we got to see today at Grissom,” said Nancy Johns, an employer nominated by a Grissom Airmen. “Everyone is very organized and professional; they really showed us a good time.”
In addition to learning more about the reserve force mission, another goal of the event was to educate employers about the rules and responsibilities both they and their reserve component employees have.
To do that the units joined together for a special dinner and briefings at Grissom’s dinning facility.
“Educating employers is a proactive approach that helps foster positive relations and promotes a supportive work environment for the reservists,” explained Leeanne Munger, ESGR Boss Lift coordinator. “These events give us the opportunity to educate employers about applicable laws and also provides them recognition for the support they provide their service members.”
Employers also received a certificate of support from the ESGR that could be displayed at their business.
To wrap up the event, employers took a flight onboard three KC-135R Stratotankers. The three-ship formation headed to an air refueling track in the Midwest where employers were able to witness aerial refueling in action.
“It’s overwhelming to see how [the refueling mission] actually works in person,” said Timothy Walsh, an employer participating in the event. “It’s really nice to see how [all reserve and guard services] work together and operate efficiently to protect everyone here in the states.”
During the mission employers witnessed A-10 Thunderbolt IIs from the 122nd FW being refueled. One of the fighters was flown by Col. Patrick Renwick, 122nd FW commander, who also attended the dinner the night before.
"I want to thank each and every one of you for your support," Renwick told the employers. "Our Airmen make great employees. They are college educated, with on-the-job training, leadership skills and a positive attitude."
"Their efforts help support the state and nation's defense and you'll see during the tours and each service works together in order to accomplish this goal," he added.
Following the flights, employers were each presented honorary aircrew certificates.
“The entire event was very eye opening,” said Walsh. “It was really nice to see reservists and guardsmen all work together to protect everyone here in the states.”
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. Men and women from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
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