News

Employer orientation day set for Nov. 7

  • Published
  • By Sandra Pishner
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Plans are well under way for the next 446th Airlift Wing Employer Orientation Day Nov. 7.  Application deadline is Oct. 9.  There are about 30 spots available for nominated employers.

Reservists leaving their civilian jobs to perform military duty can be tough on employers and co-workers. An understanding of what the Reservist employee is doing while away can go a long way to easing frustrations and possible resentment. That's where the 446th Airlift Wing Employer Orientation Day on Nov. 7, comes into play.

About every six months, the 446th AW at McChord Air Force Base, Wash., hosts up to 30 civilian employers of Reservists for a day of demonstrations showing just what it means to serve in the Air Force Reserve. Its purpose is to infuse employers with an understanding as to why it is important for them to support their employees who serve.

"Normally held in April and October, this fall's event was moved to November to deconflict with the upcoming Operational Readiness Inspection," said Lt. Col. Anna Sullivan, 446th AW chief of public affairs. "The ORI is just one of the many missions that pull Reservists away from their civilian jobs. Then of course, there are the missions supporting Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. And, as an airlift wing, Reservists are involved daily in the support of airlift missions around the world."

The Nov. 7 employer orientation day will include demonstrations of the deployment processing line, the equipment used by Reservists to protect themselves from chemical, biological, radiation and nuclear attacks, explosive ordnance disposal techniques, and medical requirements.

The employers and their sponsoring Reservists will also board a C-17 for a two hour flight, which will include a demonstration of the aeromedical evacuation mission and a combat offload.

"Normally an airdrop demonstration is a part of the itinerary, however November weather precludes including that demonstration this time," said Colonel Sullivan.

Reservists interested in sponsoring their employer for the Nov. 7 Employer Orientation Day need to submit an application to the 446th AW Public Affairs Office by Oct. 9. The application can be downloaded from the 446th AW public Web site (see related tools accompanying this article). Or, they may stop by the public affairs office to pick up an application.

Applications are taken on a first come, first serve basis.

"Reservists can sponsor their immediate supervisor, their human resources specialists, or an executive or owner of the business they work for," said Colonel Sullivan. "Friends, family members and co-workers are not eligible. Remember, our purpose here is to make sure your employers get a real feel for what you do when you're performing your Reserve duty. We want to ensure you have their support."

For more information, contact the 446th AW Public Affairs Office at 253-982-3330.