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MacDill Reservists host civilian employers

  • Published
  • By Capt. Joe Simms
  • 927th Air Refueling Wing
The 927th Air Refueling Wing here hosted nearly 30 Floridian civic leaders on a two-day orientation flight onboard a KC-135 Stratotanker, Jan.19-20.

The event was sponsored by the Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve; a Department of Defense organization which develops and promotes a supportive work environment for service members, through outreach opportunities directed towards influential members of the civilian community.

The bosslift was specifically intended to target civilians that are employers of the wing's traditional reservists to educate them on the roles and missions of the Air Force Reserve. The mission was also designed to give them an understanding of what their employee does when they are fulfilling their military commitment.

“This trip really opened up my eyes to the amount of work the Reserve does to keep each wing moving,” said Pete Denove, Senior Director at Arthrex, Inc. “The program was perfectly done without a minute wasted, and I want to thank the wing for a learning experience I will never forget.”

The event began with a mission briefing from Col. Mike Remualdo, 927th ARW vice commander, and remarks from the state ESGR Chairman, James Dicks. Shortly after departing MacDill AFB, the civilians were able to witness an air-to-air refueling mission as two Joint Base Charleston, S.C., C-17s received fuel from the KC-135.

Over the next day and a half, the group was able to tour a C-17 static display at JB Charleston and visit the 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. The whirlwind tour consisting of three units in two days, showcased the diverse weapon systems the Reserve operates in defense of our nation.

“The Air Force Reserve is involved in every nearly mission the active duty is involved in, and this was a great opportunity to showcase the wide variety of skills our reservists possess,” Remualdo said. “Without the support of the civilian community, and employers like those that were on this flight, we would not be able to produce the qualified Airmen needed to accomplish our mission.”

For some of the reservists, this was also a way to show their employers how much they appreciate the support they have received over the years. Master Sgt. Monica Eastman, a flight medic assigned to the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, and also a point of care technician in an emergency room, nominated her employer for the flight.

“Julie (Carter) has always been willing to work with me in taking time off to serve my country. The support Florida Hospital gives me has been unbelievable,” Eastman said. ”One thing I have never had to worry about while serving overseas was not having a job to come home to.”

Carter considers it an honor to be selected for this flight and is appreciative of all of her employees that come to her with military experience.

"They've done more in the military than they can ever do here," Carter said. "They come with a lot of knowledge and skills before they even get here and their training is so good, they almost show us what to do."

To learn more about the ESGR, or to volunteer, visit http://esgr.mil/.