Photo By Jerry Hewitt | Civilians and 104th Fighter Wing service members take part in Employer Support of the...... read more read more
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Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Mass. — Civilians and service members took to the skies together on Nov. 1, 2024 as Barnes Airmen and their employers boarded a KC-135 Stratotanker for a midair refueling mission with the 101st Air Refueling Wing, Maine Air National Guard. The event was part of the DoD’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program, which fosters a deeper understanding between Reserve service members and the companies they work for.
This incentive flight offered a rare glimpse into the military’s aerial refueling capabilities, as the “MAINEiacs” of the 101ARW conducted a live refueling of the 104th Fighter Wing’s F-15 Eagles. Airmen and their civilian employers watched as the Stratotanker skillfully connected with the fighters, pumping fuel thousands of feet above the ground.
Established in 1972, ESGR seeks to build supportive relationships between reservists and their employers. Events like this flight are essential in demonstrating the unique skills and responsibilities service members bring to the civilian workforce.
“This was a unique opportunity for employers to visit with Air National Guard forces during an actual KC-135 and F-15C training mission,” said Tech. Sgt. Troy Chauvin, 104th Logistic Readiness Squadron, ground transportation noncommissioned officer. “Organizing this event allowed me to meet area employers and show them our mission at Barnes ANGB. They were able to observe firsthand the leadership, management, and technical skills training their employees receive while serving America.”
Mr. Earl Bonnet, chair emeritus for Massachusetts Employer Support of the Guard, further emphasized the significance of these "boss lifts" for military members, their families, and their employers. "These boss lifts further enlighten employers by showing them the skills and dedication of the men and women who serve, and how those skills translate into the civilian workforce," said Bonnet. "ESGR is an all volunteer organization which seeks to gain and maintain employer support for the men and women who serve in the Guard and Reserve."
During the ESGR flight, employers also received a certificate of recognition for their support of military members and their families.
The 104th Fighter Wing continues to strengthen its community relationships, ensuring local businesses recognize the dedication of their Massachusetts Air National Guard employees. For these employers, taking part in a refueling mission underscored the impact of the Air National Guard’s work — both in the air and on the ground.
“I am extremely thankful to have this experience to see a delicate and important operation in real time,” said trainee Ellen Ozkaptan, 104th FW public affairs recruit. “I look forward to contributing to the mission as I transition to basic military training.”
| Date Taken: | 11.02.2024 |
| Date Posted: | 11.04.2024 10:32 |
| Story ID: | 484548 |
| Location: | WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 214 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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