Photo By Master Sgt. Deborah Williams | Fifty-two guest employers and 8 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve committee...... read more read more
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SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. - The day started early for employers selected to take part in the United States Air Force Reserve’s 916th Air Refueling Wing’s Boss-Lift. They all met at the Heritage Hall to receive their badge that guaranteed them a ride on the KC – 135 refueling tankers.
Welcome comments were provided by Ron Bogle, North Carolina Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve chairman. “We are a nation that cannot defend itself based on our standing force alone. The only way that we can adequately secure our national defense is with a strong Guard and Reserve. That’s where you come in; where you become partners in our National Defense.”
He outlined three things that normally lead military service members to separate from the service: family, the Soldier himself, and employment. “This is why we brought you here, to this place, to get on this aircraft, to watch these men and women do the great things they do in defense of our nation,” Bogle said. “You will come away impressed. They bring extraordinary value to the workplace.”
The 52 guest employers from across North Carolina were accompanied by eight ESGR committee members. Retired Army National Guard Brig. Gen. Mabry E. “Bud” Martin, and a member of the North Carolina Military Affairs Commission, is appointed directly by Gov. Pat McCrory to work on behalf of the military. The commission coordinates directly with the military in North Carolina to provide recommendations to the governor and general assembly on sustainability in such areas as infrastructure and agriculture in the military and North Carolina.
“Our commission is appointed by the governor to support our military by sustaining what we have and grow, whether logistically by bringing in DOD, supply companies or by using grants and bonds to support our private-public partnership,” Martin said. “We are a joint military in this state, with a military economy second only to agriculture. The military uses a lot of agriculture in their training.”
The excitement was growing as the time grew near to load the bus for the trip to the air field. “I am really excited to be here. I hardly slept at all. When my employee recommended me for this, I was honored. I had no idea this was going to happen, and I have always thought highly of Charlene [Lynch]. For her to nominate me, means a lot,” said James McGowan, employer at the North Carolina Department of Transportation Charlotte Appraisal Office. Master Sgt. Charlene Lynch is a Reserve Soldier in the 108th Training Command (IET) located in Charlotte, North Carolina.
After a safety briefing, everyone loaded the buses for their adventure aboard a KC-135 refueler, sometimes described as a flying gas station. The KC-135 was the U.S. Air Force's first jet-powered refueling tanker and replaced the KC-97 Stratofreighter. The KC-135 was initially tasked to refuel strategic bombers, but was used extensively in the Vietnam Conflict and later in wars such as Operation Desert Storm, to extend the range and endurance of U.S. tactical fighters and bombers.
The KC-135 entered service with the Air Force in 1957; it is one of six military fixed-wing aircraft with over 50 years of continuous service with its original operator. The KC-135 is supplemented by the larger KC-10 aircraft. Despite increased maintenance costs, studies conclude many of the aircraft could be flown until 2040.
At the conclusion of the flight, everyone ate lunch at the Woods Auditorium for a final discussion and parting bags supplied with lots of information by the ESGR. It was unanimous with the employers that the experience left a lasting impression.
“It was an awesome trip! I got to see a lot of stuff I had never seen before. It was amazing! I really appreciate everything you guys do. It is amazing that you are able to do this and have a regular job. Thank you for this opportunity,” McGowan said.
| Date Taken: | 12.06.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 12.09.2014 09:18 |
| Story ID: | 149767 |
| Location: | SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 70 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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