ESGR Bosslift shows employers Reserve mission

  • Published
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Employers throughout the south Florida community experienced what it's like to see F-16s refuel from a KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft at the 482nd Fighter Wing in Homestead, Florida.

Members from the 507th Air Refueling Wing from Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma, ventured out to the base to support the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve 'Bosslift' event in July.

After a safety briefing by Master Sgt. Mark McGougan, 507th ARW boom operator, the group boarded the tanker, which sometimes described as a flying gas station.

During the flight, pilots from the 93rd Fighter Squadron linked up with the tanker to refuel. Each employer got to check out the refueling process through the back of the aircraft. A total of four F-16s were refueled.

For one employer, the refueling was an experience of a lifetime.

"This once in a lifetime experience truly makes you appreciate what our reservists are called upon when they leave for their weekend training," said Alex Zambrano, Florida Power and Light - Control Center Operations leader. "It not only increases your patriotism but it really makes you value what all our men and women in the armed forces sacrifice for our security. I would strongly recommend future employers to participate and thank everyone for this life changing opportunity."

Zambrano was nominated to attend the bosslift by Tech. Sgt. Bryan Swindell, who is a reservist with the 482nd Civil Engineering Squadron.

After the refueling, Col. Gregory Lee, 482nd FW director of staff, provided the mission briefing to employers and discussion included educating them on the Reserve mission.

ESGR area chair representative Michael Mills briefed the group on the ESGR mission and capabilities.

"The bosslift program enables ESGR volunteers to bring American employers and community leaders to military facilities around the country," he said. "During their short visits, activities and briefings are carefully planned so that the attendees leave with a sense of the missions of the Reserve Component(s). Many employers or other community decision-makers have no idea of the crucial role reservists play in achieving military objectives, protecting our country or responding to disasters."

Each attendee signed a Statement of Support for the National Guard and Reserve, which signifies their commitment to supporting their military employees.

"The biggest takeaway was that the employers not only got to see the impressive and exciting operation of an aerial refueling, but through candid personal conversations with the crew and during the more formal briefings, they are better aware of the importance of the support of civilian employers and the entire community," added Mills.

ESGR, a Department of Defense office, is comprised of dedicated and trained volunteers and staff. They will develop and promote employer support for Guard and Reserve service by advocating relevant initiatives, recognizing outstanding support, increasing awareness of applicable laws, and resolving conflict between employers and service members.

The 482nd FW and Air Force Reserve Command, maintains and operates Homestead ARB, located near the southern end of the Florida peninsula, about 25 miles south of Miami. It is a fully combat-ready unit capable of providing F-16C multi-purpose fighter aircraft, along with mission ready pilots and support personnel, for short-notice worldwide deployment. The wing has over 2,500 members, including more than 1,700 reservists, of which 350 are full-time reservists, in addition to over 280 full-time civilians.