WESTFIELD, MA. September 18, 2009. Forty Eight Employers of Massachusetts Guard and Reserve members gathered early this morning for an action and information packed day. Barnes National Guard Base in Westfield, MA was the venue of the second Employer Appreciation day this summer. After registration, the guest employers were briefed by the leadership of the 104th Fighter Wing and received a special greeting from Brigadier General (BG) Scott Rice,  Assistant Adjutant General for Air of the Massachusetts National Guard. One of the highlights of the morning was a demonstration of flight safety equipment where several guests were asked to wear the gear. They soon discovered that safety was a number one concern for their employees. Following a windshield tour of the installation, the next stop for the employers was alongside the runway where they viewed a scramble of six F-15 Eagle jet fighters. Before lunch, the employers had a chance to "Pet a Jet", where they spent some time close-up with the F-15 Eagle, and were briefed by a pilot and crew chief.   

Following a fantastic lunch, an operational brief by Major Chris Dugre, Commander of the Army Aviation Support Facility, began the afternoon portion of the event. A demonstration of a simulated medical evacuation by an HH-60M Blackhawk helicopter was the highlight of the afternoon for the employers. The HH-60M is the newest Blackhawk in the Army's inventory.   

   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 USERRA law of 1994 and resolving conflicts through mediation. The MA Committee has more than 35 volunteers dedicated to helping every "Citizen Soldier". On hand representing MAESGR  were Dave St. Germain, "Ski" Borowski, Roger Fortn, Holly Boyko, Diane Swain, Bill Hebert, Gerry Clark and Earl Bonett. A great time was had by all!!!  

 

  A Group photo of employers and ESGR members at the Westfield event
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Employers getting an up close view of a F-15 with ESGR members (L to R) Holly Boyko and Diane Swain in the foreground

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The group being briefed by members of the 104th Air Wing

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_______________________________________________________________________ Major Chris Dugre explaining the operation of the Blackhawk heliocopter _______________________________________________

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Blackhawk demonstration of extracting a wounded service member

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If you would Sign a Statement of Support or join the MA ESGR Committee and volunteer your time, please call us at 508-233-7249 or go to www.esgr.mil.