MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- Five civilian employers of 931st Air Refueling Wing traditional reservist Airmen recently received a first-hand look at how their traditional reservist employee supports strategic reach during an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR)-sponsored flight May 6.
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 organization’s focus 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, while helping to foster the willingness of employers to support their employees called to military service for long periods of time and greater frequency.
Jim Wishart, Kansas ESGR Committee volunteer support technician, participated at the event on behalf of ESGR. While there, he helped educate the employers on the importance of the role of ESGR events and flights.
"Several important aspects of gathering employer, military leadership and ESGR at events on base include the ease of interaction,” said Wishart. “It also offers ESGR representatives the ability to rapidly answer questions and share information vital to establishing the shared employee relationship. “
The flight was also an example of how highly the 931st ARW values its relationships with their traditional reservists’ employers, especially when it comes to the challenges associated with Reserve service.
The employers came from areas including Kansas and Colorado and flew aboard a KC-46 Pegasus operated by members of the 18th Air Refueling Squadron. During the flight the employers flew over Colorado, South Dakota and also received an in-depth demonstration on how to operate the boom.
Prior to the flight, Col. Phil Heseltine, 931st ARW commander, visited with the employers and stressed the value of furthering understanding between the Air Force Reserve and civilian employers.
"We cannot accomplish our mission without the support of the people who employ our Reservists," said Heseltine. "Just because you don't wear a uniform it does not mean you are not serving your country."
For more information about the ESGR, visit their website at https://www.esgr.mil/.