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Employer flight

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Employers of Grissom Airmen pose for a group photo before their flight aboard a KC-135R Stratotanker here Sept. 5. The purpose of the flight was to give the employers a better understanding of the mission of the 434th Air Refueling Wing and to show appreciation for their support. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin)

Civilian employers get bird's eye view of Grissom mission

Published Sept. 7, 2012
By Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin
434th ARW Public Affairs

GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Some reservists know it can be difficult to balance their military and civilian work lives, but this can also be a challenge for their employers as well.

Nineteen civilian employers of 434th Air Refueling Wing Airmen visited here Sept. 5 to learn about the base and witness an aerial refueling aboard a KC-135R Stratotanker.

The purpose of the flight was to give the employers a better understanding of the 434th ARW mission and how their reservists contribute to that mission. It was also a chance to show appreciation for the support they give their employees who serve in the Air Force Reserve.

Flying high above the Gulf Coast region, their KC-135 met with a B-52 Stratofortress to transfer over 1,000 pounds of jet fuel through the KC-135's boom, which connected with the Cold War era bomber. During the mission, the employers were able to speak with the aircrew and climb into the boom pod to watch the refueling take place.

Prior to the flight, the employers received a briefing about Grissom, the Air Force Reserve and the KC-135. A representative from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve also talked to them about how supporting their reservists is important not only to Grissom, but the local area's economy and the nation's defense as well.

434th ARW Airmen can find the form to nominate their employer for a flight on the Grissom homepage.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in theAir Force Reserve Command.

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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