News

Civilian employers get a taste of Reserve life

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Grant Saylor
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  More than two dozen employers traveled to McChord AFB on April 4 to participate in the 446th Airlift Wing's employer orientation day.
 
The event gives civilian employers a chance to see the important work their Reservists do during drill weekends and deployments, and culminates in an orientation flight on a C-17 Globemaster. 

"This is an once-in-a-lifetime event," said Valerie Hudson, an employer from the Boeing Company who was invited by Staff Sgt. Thomas Mariano. Sergeant Mariano is a jet engine mechanic with the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron. 

"I was very impressed by the amount of detail that goes into these missions," said Ms. Hudson. "This is a very enthusiastic, dedicated team of people." 

Just like the Reservists they employ, the employer participants had to wake up early to get to McChord. Once here, they were whisked to a mock deployment meeting where they received a detailed intelligence brief before being sent through a deployment line.
Wing Airmen then showed employers a variety of deployment preparation tactics, from suiting up in full chem gear to practicing self-aid and buddy care. 

"It's obvious that everyone has a part to play," said Neil Kocina, an airworthiness manager with the Boeing Company. 

Mr. Kocina said the dedication of his Reservist employee, Senior Master Sgt. Patricia Pyles, was an inspiring part of his day's experience. 

"I learned about her importance in preserving our rights and sovereignty as a nation," said Mr. Kocina. "I really appreciate what you guys do, and it's especially nice that you put on this program so we can actually see what you do." 

Employers capped their day by boarding a 446th AW C-17 for a flight to a Moses Lake drop zone, where they witnessed a cargo airdrop. Digital camera flashes pulsed as the dummy pallet jettisoned out the open rear ramp of the aircraft. Then employers were treated to a first-class view of Mount Rainier, taking turns to fly in the jump seat behind the pilots. When not up on the flight deck, the employers had the opportunity to take a look at an aeromedical display on the aircraft and discuss aeromedical evacuation with Airmen from the 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. 

"Very impressive," said Chuck Christy from Nisqually Family Medicine. 

Mr. Christy said one of the Reservists he supervises, Tech Sgt Kristy Wellman from the 446th AES, just returned from deployment while another, Staff Sgt. Juanita Elliott, also 446th AES, has just been activated for training. 

Other employers shared in the adulation for their citizen warriors. 

"It's incredible and pretty awesome what these Reservists do to serve our country," said Dave May of the Federal Aviation Administration. 

Mr. May was invited to employer orientation day by Tech. Sgt. Christy Helgeson, 446th Maintenance Group. 

The 446th AW hosts an employer orientation day twice a year. The next one is scheduled to take place this fall. However, because of the upcoming operational readiness inspection, the exact date for employer orientation day is yet to be determined. For more information, contact the 446th AW public affairs office at 982-3330.