Employer Flight Makes an Impression

  • Published
  • By Capt. Rebecca A. Garcia
  • 459 ARW/PA
Joint Base Andrews, MD --  An enduring mission makes a new impression on local employers of Reservists and Guardsmen during a refueling flight aboard a KC-135R Stratotanker here Jan. 22.

Employers of Reserve and Guard members joined the 459th Air Refueling Wing for a local aerial-refueling flight with F-16s from the 113th Wing (Air National Guard) co-located here at Joint Base Andrews.  The event was hosted by the D.C. Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense national committee with a mission to gain and maintain employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of the law, and resolving conflict through mediation.

Air Force Reserve wings with the ability to fly passengers periodically conduct orientation flights aimed at educating employers on the various missions of Air Force Reserve Command.  This flight allowed employers the opportunity to learn about the KC-135R and the refueling mission.  Employers rotated through the aircraft cockpit and boom pod learning about the aircraft itself and how refuelings are conducted. 

Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner Jr., commander of Air Force Reserve Command, at a recent Town Hall Meeting here, said that the tanker mission is an enduring mission with nothing but growth.

"To sum it up in one word - awesome!" said Mr. Douglas VanDyke, Microsoft.  "It was surreal, pure skill.  You could see the other pilot's face (pilot of the aircraft being refueled).  [It] Makes me proud to be an American."

Employers can be nominated for an orientation flight by their employee who is also a Reservist or Guardsmen.  Information can be requested about upcoming flights through Reserve unit public affairs offices.