Photo By Master Sgt. Timothy Chacon | Participants in the 194th Wing Boss Lift ride on a on a KC-135 Stratotanker from the...... read more read more
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Employers of Airmen from the 194th Wing, local legislators and community partners got the chance to learn about the mission of the Washington Air National Guard during the 194th Wing Boss Lift September 18-19.
The Boss Lift is annual event and this year was a hosted by the 194th WG in conjunction with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve with support from the Western Area Defense Sector and 141st Air Refueling Wing.
There is typically one event in Western Washington hosted by the 194th Wing or WADS and one on the east side hosted by the 141st ARW.
The event is designed to give employers a better understanding of what their citizen Airmen do in the Washington Air National Guard as well as serve as a thank you to the employer who helps bridge the gap between civilian companies employing part time military personnel.
During the event participants were shown displays and equipment from the 111th Air Support Operations Squadrons, 116th ASOS, 116th Weather Flight and the 10th Civil Support Team. They also toured the 116th and 111th ASOS simulation facilities that show how the unit’s members train to provide close air support in combat. They also received a tour of the Western Air Defense Sector facilities. The Boss lift concluded with a KC-135 Stratotanker refueling flight over Spokane, Washington where the employers got to see aerial refueling operations with a C-17 Globemaster III.
Lance Murdock, regional manager, Tissue Recovery at LifeNet Health, was the recipient of the ESGR Patriot Award for outstanding support of his guardsman employee, Staff Sgt. Brittany Taylor. Murdock was thrilled by the honor and very excited to be a part of the boss lift.
When asked about his experience employing a member of the guard, Murdock said, “A lot of our workforce is young. Working with Brittany and other members of the guard is really great. They bring with them level of aptitude, work ethic and maturity that makes them a really great asset.”
Another employer, Kelly Kleemeier, a programs director with Boeing, had a unique perspective during the refueling flight. Her employee, Tech. Sgt. Nathan Simpson, 141st ARW, was one of the maintainers assigned to the aircraft Kleemeier flew on. Not only did Kleemeier get to fly with her employee on the KC-135, an Boeing aircraft, but Kleemeier is the director of propulsion for the KC-46 Pegasus at Boeing.
“At Boeing Nathan works on refuelers. He brings an energy and passion to our workplace which are things I’m sure he brings from his service in the Air National Guard. When he’s gone for training we definitely notice it. It leaves a hole, but it’s such an important mission and we are proud to support it.”
Rep. John Lovick, 44th District, acting Speaker of the Washington State House of Representatives, expressed his excitement with the event.
“This is something I am glad to able to come out to, and see the great work you all are doing,” Lovick said. “I really learned a lot today. I knew what some of the capabilities here were, but there was a lot that I didn’t know. Sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know. This was a great experience to see the capabilities right here in our own back yard. I drive by these facilities every day on my way down I-5 and after seeing the capabilities here it gives me a whole new perspective.” Lovick continued. “When I go to Olympia tomorrow I’ll be talking about all of these things I learned today. I get excited about these things. I’m excited beyond words.”
| Date Taken: | 09.24.2019 |
| Date Posted: | 09.25.2019 13:00 |
| Story ID: | 343507 |
| Location: | US |
| Web Views: | 94 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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