Employers get bird's-eye view of reservist contributions

  • Published
  • By Dan Galindo
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Twenty-five employers of Homestead's Air Force reservists and reservists of other military services visited here and the Florida Keys Jan. 11 and 12 to get an up-close look at the Reserve mission.

The two-day event, organized by volunteers of the Florida Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, began with a scenic bus trip from Homestead ARB through the Florida Keys to Key West Naval Air Station. During the ride, ESGR representatives were able to explain many of the jobs reservists perform and educate employers on the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act, which protects the civilian jobs of reservists.

"This is about awareness and recognition for the employers for their outstanding efforts," said Doug Corbett, executive director of the Florida ESGR. "We try to give them an idea of what [reservists] do and that they're really out defending the country."

"We have some people going on their second or third deployment. Imagine trying to run a business," said Corbett. "When employers get to see their employees in uniform, it's effective I think, and we can recognize them for their support."

In Key West employers witnessed Navy fighter jets training and learned about the anti-drug trafficking efforts from the Joint Interagency Task Force South.

"It was a good reminder of what it takes to keep our country secure," said Valerie Bohlander, Building Dept. director for the City of Fort Lauderdale and civilian supervisor of Staff Sgt. Bridget Patterson, 482nd Medical Squadron.

"It takes all sorts of people will all sorts of strengths and talents, not just the folks who wear fatigues 24-7, but it's all the folks working side-by-side with you everyday who can possibly be called to serve, leaving family and friends behind. I marvel at the sacrifices made everyday by reservists across the country," she said.

Following an overnight stay at Key West NAS, the group returned to Homestead ARB for many felt was the highlight of the trip.

"The refueling of the jets was unbelievable," Bohlander said.

A KC-135 Stratotanker and crew from the 91st Air Refueling Squadron of MacDill AFB, Tampa, flew the group around South Florida to see the fueling of several Homestead 93rd Fighter Squadron F-16s.

"The biggest hit of the trip was the air refueling mission," said Marty Rosen, ESGR coordinator for the Miami area. "It was spectacular, and [the employers] loved that the most. "The flight crew was exceptional, and they really did a great job inviting everyone up to the flight deck and making sure everyone got to see the refueling as well."

The tanker trip even gave two flight supervisors from American Airlines the chance to see two of their own pilots in something other than passengers jets, as 93rd Fighter Squadron Commander Lt. Col. Jose Monteagudo and Lt. Col. Mark Meeks were in the air that day.

"It's important for employers to have a full understanding of the roles reservists play in the security of our nation," Bohlander said. "I knew that potentially reservists can serve 'on the frontline' but I had no idea until I went on this Boss Lift just how often they do and how many actually do."