MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Ten civilian employers of 931st Air Refueling Wing Airmen received a first-hand look at how their Reservist employee supports strategic reach during a "Bosslift" sponsored by the local Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) here, August 3.
According to the official ESGR website, the purpose of ESGR is to educate supervisors and managers of traditional Reservists and develop a greater appreciation for the service of citizen Airmen. The focus of the organization is to promote an understanding of both the National Guard and Reserve as well as encourage support of employers in development of human resource policies and practices that support an employee's participation in the military. ESGR also works to inform and educate employers on the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act as well as help foster the willingness of employers to support their employees called to military service for long periods of time and greater frequency.
The flight was also an example of how highly the 931 ARW values its relationships with their Reservists’ employers, especially when it comes to the challenges associated with Reserve service. One of the employers, Scott Auchterlonie, Textron Aviation Value Stream leader, said the challenges are worth considering the quality of work he receives from Reservist employees.
“I work in aircraft so there’s a strict set of rules and instructions you have to follow, which is very similar to the military,” said Auchterlonie. “Military member fit very well into that environment.”
Auchterlonie was nominated by Tech. Sgt. Clayton Potter, a Traditional Reservist from the 931st Aircraft Maintenance Squadron.
The employers came from areas including Kansas and Oklahoma and flew aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker operated by the 931 ARW. They observed the aerial refueling of A-10 Thunderbolts operated by Reservists from 442nd Fighter Wing at Whiteman AFB, Mo. The employees also received an in-depth demonstration on how to operate the boom.
Prior to the flight, Col. Bruce P. Heseltine, 931 ARW commander, who also co-piloted the flight, visited with the employers and stressed the value of furthering understanding between the Air Force Reserve and civilian employers.
"It’s important to remember that not all patriots wear uniforms," said Colonel Heseltine. “We cannot accomplish our mission without the support of the people who employ our Reservists.”
For more information about the ESGR, visit their website at https://www.esgr.mil/.