Maryland employers get a first-hand glimpse into the duties of Citizen Airmen

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Sophia Piellusch
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. --  Maryland employers of Air Force Reserve and National Guard servicemembers took to the skies aboard a KC-135 Stratotanker from the 459th Air Refueling Wing in a local bosslift here Oct. 27.

The bosslift was sponsored by the Maryland Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense committee whom promotes to employers a better understanding of the duties and requirements of their Reserve and National Guard employees.

During the bosslift, 20 employers witnessed an air refueling mission, where the 459th ARW KC-135 provided gas to both a KC-10 Extender and a C-5 Globemaster III.

Maj. Matthew Ghormley, 756th Air Refueling Squadron, served as one of the KC-135 pilots for the air refueling mission. For his civilian job, Major Ghormley works at the Defense Acquisition University as a program manager for curriculum development. His supervisor, Joni Forman, was among the employers riding along on the mission.

"Joni helps me out with my flying. You really need a supervisor like her that understands our mission. That's why the bosslift is such a good idea.." Major Ghormley said. "The Reserve is an excellent program. That way I can understand and appreciate the job he (Major Ghormley) has when he's off on his Reserve duty," Ms. Forman said. "I'm excited for the opportunity to come out here today and see exactly what he does in his Reserve job. I'm just in awe of it all." she said.

Each employer had an opportunity lie down in the boom operator pod and witness the KC-135 as it refueled the approaching aircraft. Senior Airman Matthew Oberlin, 759th Air Refueling Squadron, served as the boom operator for the mission and briefed the employers on the precise maneuvers required to safely refuel aircraft.

Marcell Crawford, an employer from Engineering Systems Consultants Inc., watched through the boom operator pod window as Airman Oberlin worked the controls and provided fuel to the aircraft.

"It's impressive when you see someone like Airman Oberlin operating the boom. So now you're recognizing the type of people we get as employees. They're highly skilled, highly motivated and well trained folks," Mr. Crawford said.

After the four-hour aerial refueling flight, Maggie Harris, president and Chief Executive Officer of ESC reflected on the mission with members from the ESGR. She said she is a great supporter of the ESGR program.

"The ESGR bosslift experience was awesome. I think by riding along and reviewing this training, it gives me a better perspective and greater appreciation for my employees who are Reservists."