News

Employers learn about Reserve commitment, responsibilities

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Nicole Celestine
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Employers, managers and supervisors across Washington State and beyond got to see what their Reservists do, during the 446 Airlift Wing's Employer Orientation Day here Nov. 7.

Mr. David Corrion of Doyon Universal Security Services, Anacortes, Wash., said the employer orientation day helped him appreciate the training Reservists must have and maintain. Mr. Corrion is the employer of Master Sgt. Robert Davenport, first sergeant at the 97th Airlift Squadron.

"It was informative to know the current demands on Reservists," said Mr. Corrion. "And in today's military, it requires more than one weekend a month, plus two weeks annually."

Employer orientation day, held in April and October every year, gives employers the chance to understand the 446th AW's mission, its partnership with its active-duty counterparts here, and its role within the total Air Force. This event also allows employers to see what their employees do on unit training assemblies, annual training and other tours. Employer Orientation Day was held in November instead of October this time due to the Operational Readiness Inspection.

After Col. William Flanigan welcomed the employers and thanked them for supporting their Reservists, briefings were given on a variety of subjects. One particularly relevant briefing was on the Employer Support of Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense organization that promotes cooperation and understanding between Reservists and Guardsmen and their civilian employers. The ESGR also assists in resolving conflicts that may arise from an employee's military commitment.

Prior to "deploying," the employers were given an intelligence briefing (unclassified), as well as a mission briefing. Included in their mission briefing was an explanation of the aeromedical evacuation mission, which would be demonstrated for the employers during the C-17 flight scheduled for later that day.

After the briefings, the 27 employers got into groups or "chalks," to visit stations within Bldg. 576 that covered Self Aid and Buddy Care, the deployment processing line, explosive ordnance disposal, and mobility equipment. Employers saw first hand the equipment, gear and training Reservists receive regularly.

Many employers, like James Koutsky of the Seattle Police Department (employer of Lt. Col. Mark Solomon) praised the 446th AW for its effective, well-planned and well-executed employer orientation day. Other employers said the best part of the day for them was bonding with their employees, who accompanied them on the flight.

"I thought this was a very professional orientation and the presenters did a great job," said Mr. Koutsky. "Thank you," he added.

The day concluded with a short flight aboard the C-17. During the flight, members of the 446th AES performed a variety of training exercises, showing employers the range of medical services they provide to patients en route.

Employers left the base with a deeper appreciation for Reservists' service and a heightened awareness of the demands placed upon them. Many employers said they were proud of each Reservist and thanked them for their service.