LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- "This was just fabulous, well worth the trip" said Bobbie Gibbons, an insurance agent who traveled from Salt Lake City, Utah, to attend the Boss's Day event here Nov. 7.
Gibbons was among 85 employers who visited the Air Force Reserve's 944th Fighter Wing to get a glimpse into the military service of their employees.
"We have two goals here today, show case the 944th and have some fun," said Col. Kurt Gallegos, 944th FW commander, as he welcomed the employers to the base.
Employers were given a behind-the-scenes look not granted to many civilians. They flew in a KC-135 Stratotanker, provided by the 434th Air Refueling Wing, Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., to observe an in-flight refueling and took part in a military convoy exercise.
"It was so educational and I have to say I am really impressed with the staff everyone is prepared, friendly, and so knowledgeable, said Gibbons. "The convoy training was a whole new experience for me."
Citizen Airmen showcased how they hone their combat skills, talked about personal experiences, discussed how they train on programs such as the Emergency Medical Systems, and explained how improvised explosive devices are discovered and de-armed. The day's events also included several squadron exhibitions and demonstrations to include an F-35, F-16 and A-10 static display.
Tech. Sgt. Brian Miller, a fuels technician with the 944th Logistics Readiness Squadron nominated his boss for a Patriot Award and asked her to attend the Boss's Day event. "My supervisors are always understanding and supportive of my military commitment and overall decision to serve."
The Patriot Award, given by the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, reflects the efforts made by civilian employers to support Reserve members through a wide-range of actions including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.
"The flight was so fun, this whole tour was an eye opening experience for sure," said Rebecca Keefer, Facility Manager for CB Richard Ellis/Cigna and Miller's civilian supervisor. "I really had no idea what Brian did on a [unit training assembly] weekend, he has a great work ethic and wonderful customer service skills that I can see probably come from serving in the military."
Closing out the day participants gathered for closing comments and presentation of ESGR Patriot Awards.
The objective was to give employers a better understanding of what their Air Force Reserve Employees do when they are away from the office serving their military commitment. "Balancing family, a civilian and a military career is not easy. The support given by a civilian employer is invaluable, if it wasn't for you all, we could not do our job" said Gallegos. "I truly believe we exceeded that goal here today."