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Employers experience day in the life of Airmen

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Cali Wetli
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  Reservists get a taste of both the military and civilian world, but one group of civilian employers recently had an opportunity to experience first-hand the mission their citizen Airman live out.

The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve and Grissom Air Reserve Base collaborated to provide a boss-lift for Grissom Airmen’s employers, to encourage the civilian-military relationship, at Grissom ARB, Indiana, July 17-18.

Joining the 434th Air Refueling Wing on the boss lift were the 122nd Fighter Wing, Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the 181st Intelligence Wing, Terre Haute, Indiana.

With both guard and reserve units present, the ESGR’s focus is to strengthen the relationships between service members and their civilian employers, giving the employer a chance to experience first-hand everything that goes into supporting the mission and its importance.

“When there’s a good relationship between a service member and an employer, you’re going to get a better employee and a better employer,” said David Hohiemer, ESGR boss-lift coordinator. “When a young Airman has to be deployed, that employer now understands what they go through, so I am 100 percent dedicated to improving this relationship.”

The visit kicked off by learning about the duties and capabilities of the 434th Security Forces Squadron, 434th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team and Grissom’s Fire Department. A static display was set up where employers could see and experience the sheer manpower used to deter the enemy and keep Grissom’s Airmen safe.

“It was interesting to see the capabilities, some I didn’t know existed, and I really learned how they support local law enforcement and work hand in hand with them,” said Capt. David Kirkham, Indiana State Police.

“I was surprised to know Grissom’s EOD can lend their technology and their expertise manpower to law enforcement,” said John Boyd, La Porte County Sheriff. “It’s nice to know they are available to us if we need them. They have state of the art technology, are a full-time unit, so they’re well trained at what they do, and are extremely reliable. I wouldn’t hesitate reaching out to them knowing now they can support us.”

Later that evening, a special dinner was catered by the dining facility.
After an eventful evening and rest at the Grissom Inn, a whole new day full of reaching new heights awaited as employers took off in three KC-135R Stratotankers to view the mission from the sky.

“It is a privilege to give employers the opportunity to see the mission from a birds-eye view,” said Col. Larry Shaw, 434th Air Refueling Wing commander. “Anything we can do to strengthen the relationship between our Airman and their civilian employers is essential for mission success.”

Not only does it strengthen the relationship, but also gives hard working employers a chance to do something they may never have the chance to do elsewhere.

“It was a great experience to go up and see the mission from inside a KC-135,” said Matt McCullough, Riley Fire Department. “This was an opportunity like no other getting to learn about Grissom and experiencing it first-hand.”

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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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer