News

Employers become Reservists for a day wing's Employer Orientation Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt, Nicole Celestine
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Civilian employers from across the region rose at the break of dawn April 10 to take part in the 446th Airlift Wing's Employer Orientation Day here.

"It was the best plane ride I've ever had, even with the turbulence," said Sara Simons, owner of Rolf's Import Auto Service, and Master Sgt. Rafael Berman's employer. "I really enjoyed seeing the airdrop." Sergeant Berman is the 446th Maintenance Group's career advisor.

Employer Orientation Day gives employers a first-hand look at what their Reservists do on drill weekends, annual tours and deployments. The bi-annual event ties in with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a DoD agency that helps to develop and promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military services of their employees.

After 446th AW commander, Col. William Flanigan, welcomed the employers, they got an intellegience briefing, processed through a deployment line, donned chemical gear and got up-close and personal with explosive ordnance disposal equipment. After the aircrew gave a briefing on local conditions and safety precautions, the employers and their Reservists boarded a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft. Their mission - complete a container delivery system airdrop over Moses Lake. Cameras clicked as employers took in the view as the C-17 approached Mount Adams at elevation. They also watched a combat offload upon landing back at McChord Field.

Mark Harris, assistant director for the Washington State Gambling Commission, said the early wake-up call was well worth it. Mr. Harris supervises Master Sgt. Adam Lopez, who is the first sergeant with the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron when in Reserve status.

"This has been a wonderful experience," said Gail Saul, a compliance officer with the Washington State Department of Licensing, where she supervises Senior Master Sgt. Mary Morris, a loadmaster with the 728th Airlift Squadron. Ms. Saul said it was reassuring to see the 446th AW takes care of its Reservists since they work hard to support the Air Force Reserve mission.

Employers thanked the 446th AW for organizing the event and said they have a deeper respect for Reservists' service. One employer said he appreciates all the work the Air Force Reserve puts in, while another said Chief Master Sgt. Mitch Coley and the 446th Explosive Ordnance Flight's demonstration was particularly impressive to him because of the extreme danger the job entails. Another employer went a step further to bless all Reservists saying, "You wonderful, patriotic, sacrificing young people. What would we do without you?"

Employers said they came away with a greater appreciation of the demands placed upon Reservists, who must be qualified to the same standards as their active-duty counterparts.

The next 446th AW Employer Orientation Day will take place during the October primary UTA weekend. Reservists interested in nominating their employers for this event can call the 446th AW PA office, at 982-3330 for more information.