459 ARW employers take to the skies

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kristin Kurtz
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., --  The 459th Air Refueling Wing partnered with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve to show their appreciation for civilian employers by sponsoring a flight aboard a KC-135 refueling aircraft here, Feb. 6. 

Approximately 20 civilian employers of 459th Airmen took to the skies to see first-hand what it is their reservists do to support the wing's mission at Joint Base Andrews.

"Employers have no idea what their Airmen do at Unit Training Assembly weekends," said retired Air Force Col. Jean Hulet, who is now an ESGR volunteer.  "This allows them to see how their employee supports the mission and gives them a clearer understanding of what they do."

For many of the employers, this was their first flight on a military aircraft and even a first-time experience on a military installation.  Employers had the opportunity to experience a realistic pre-flight brief before heading to taking off on the KC-135. The three-hour mission then flew North to West Virginia before heading back to base. 

"My employer has always been really supportive of what I do, but this flight gives them the chance to get a real life perspective of the effort and energy it takes to be a reservist," said Senior Airman Katy Bobbitt, 459th Maintenance Squadron crew chief. "Today they see the reality of the military and what the life of a citizen Airmen is all about."

While in flight, employers were given an in-depth tour of the aircraft, an up-close look at the KC-135 mission and were even allowed to briefly operate the aircraft refuel boom.

"Seeing what actually happens and how much they do during drill weekends gives me such a better understanding of the dedication required to serve our country as a reservist," said Taylor Callas, a civilian employer of a 459th Airman.

According to Hulet, ESGR, a DoD committee that is dedicated to fostering positive relationships with civilian employers and military reservists, and the 459th ARW attempt to partner once a year and put on this special event so employers have a better understanding of how important their support is for Airmen.

Upon landing, employers were greeted by their Airmen and had the chance to get an up-close look at their employees Air Force workplace for the rest of the day.

"This was a once in a lifetime experience," said Callas.  "This opportunity gave me pride in my employee, and I look forward to having more opportunities to support the mission in the future."