SAN ANTONIO, TX. September 23-24, 2009.
Fifteen
Massachusetts
employers of National Guardsmen and Reservists had the unique
opportunity to participate in a two day Boss lift to
San Antonio, Texas. This once in a lifetime event, was sponsored
jointly by the Massachusetts and Connecticut ESGR Committees and
supported by the 439th Airlift Wing at Westover ARB. They were
joined by a group of similar employers from Connecticut.
The first day began early with employers
"reporting" to Westover ARB in Chicopee, MA for processing
and security screening prior to a briefing by the 439th Air Wing
commander Colonel (COL) Robert Swain. COL Swain thanked those
gathered for their great support of their employees who are also
members of the various Reserve Force components. He then discussed
the mission of his organization and the attributes of the C5B
aircraft. Most of the employers had never flown on a military
aircraft so the level of anticipation and excitement was quite high.
During the four hour flight to San Antonio, attendees
were provided the opportunity of moving from the passenger section
to the cockpit to see the crew in action. This was rated as a
highlight of the entire trip by many employers. Prior to take off, a
random drawing of employer names was used to select one person to
sit up front during take off and landing at both airports. These
four lucky employers gave great reviews of their experiences. Once
on the ground in San Antonio, the group was met by the 433rd Airlift
Wing Commander, Brigadier General (BG) John Fobian and Pubic Affairs
Specialist Elsa Martinez. Ms. Martinez was the person responsible
for making all the arrangements and coordination required in the San
Antonio area for this very successful major event. After a briefing
by BG Fobian, the group toured the 433rd Aeromedical Evacuation
Squadron and was briefed on its mission and equipment.
During the evenings' dinner at the base's Gateway Club,
Gerald Reardon, Chief of the Cambridge, MA Fire Department, provided
an exciting, and motivating, talk about his recent trip to
Washington, D.C. to receive the Freedom Award. His organization was
one of only 15 employers nationwide who were selected for this very
prestigious recognition from the Department of Defense. According to
Chief Reardon the highlight was a one on one visit with President
Obama at the White House.
The dinner ended the official activities of the day. The travelers
were then bussed to either the Kelly Inn or Kelly Lodge to either
rest after the very busy day, or to check in and then visit downtown
San Antonio.
The second day started early, with breakfast at
the Kelly Field Club at 6:45 AM. After breakfast, a short bus ride
to the US Army Medical Department Center and School gave employers
an opportunity to learn about the latest actions ongoing at this
facility, Tours of the Dental Science, Preventive Health Services
and Clinical Support Services departments were made. After a buffet
style lunch at the Sam Houston Club, a visit to the Department of
Nursing Science was made. Around 2PM the bus brought the group back
to the flight line for loading on the C5 for the trip back to
Westover ARB. On the return trip, employers were presented their
official Boss lift Veteran Certificates.
Upon arrival at Westover, the employers, tired
but still enthusiastic expressed appreciation for a very special two
days, despite being rained on for most of the time in
Texas.
The National Committee for Employer Support of
the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) is a Department of Defense agency
established in 1972. The mission of ESGR is to gain and maintain
employer support for Guard and Reserve service by recognizing
outstanding support, increasing awareness of the Uniform Services
Employment and Reemployment Rights Act of 1994 (USERRA) and
resolving conflicts through mediation. The MA Committee has more
than 35 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier".
On hand, along with members of Connecticut ESGR Committee, were
MAESGR members Earl Bonett, John Pelose, Diane Swain, Wayne Theroux
and Bill Hebert.
Gerald Reardon, Chief of the Cambridge, MA Fire
Department, briefing the other employers and ESGR members
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Brigadier General John Fobian, 433rd Air
Wing Commander briefing the employers in San Antonio, TX
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Employers learning about the mission of the
433rd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron
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The giant C5B aircraft transported employers
and ESGR members to and from San Antonio
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If you would join the MA ESGR Committee and
volunteer your time, call the MA Committee for ESGR at 508-233-7249
or go to www.esgr.mil..
