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Take your boss to work day

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Bryan Hull
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Keeping life balanced can often be a very difficult challenge. Working two jobs brings on a unique set of challenges all on its own, especially when one job takes time away from the other.

It’s a challenge that some members of the Rainier Wing are all too familiar with.

Having an employer’s support and understanding can help with that balance for Citizen Airmen serving in the Air Force Reserve. While some reservists take time to explain their military duties to their employers, others take a different approach by bringing out their bosses for a firsthand look at what they do.

On June 3, the 446th Airlift Wing hosted Employer Orientation Day at McChord Field for a group of reservists’ full-time employers.

“The goal of an event like this is that the employers would walk away with a greater appreciation for what Airmen do while serving,” said Col. Sean Pierce, 446th Operations Group commander. “At the same time, our hope is that we show employers that by supporting their employees that they are serving as well.”

This year employers were invited to experience what happens when their Airmen prepare to deploy.

Employers got the chance to listen to a mock pre-deployment brief and experience what it’s like to go through a deployment processing line, where they learned about various careers in the Air Force Reserve. Some even took the opportunity to try on ballistic vests and helmets.

“Employer Orientation Day is an important event because it raises awareness of the demands of our Airmen,” said Pierce. “It highlights their Air Force Reserve careers, along with their service and dedication to country.”

In addition to the DPL, employers were invited to take part in a training mission aboard a C-17 Globemaster III. During the flight employers witnessed an airdrop, combat off-load, and observed the loading and care of a simulated critical care patient.

“Employer Orientation Day is a great illustration of the challenges and demands that the Air Force Reserve requires of its Airmen,” said Pierce. “It’s a great educational opportunity for employers who support their employee’s devotion to duty in the military. It also provides a better understanding for those employers who don’t have as much understanding of the Air Force Reserve.”

After the flight, employers were invited to spend the rest of the day with their reservists to observe the day-to-day operations in their workplace.

“First and foremost it was just great to come out and be with our service members, and an honor to see them in action,” said Tim Peters, Boeing vice president of test and evaluation and an employer of a reservist. “It was great to see how we can learn to better support our employees who also serve in the guard and reserve.”