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Texas employers experience Reserve mission

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 433rd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
Thirty-three employers boarded a C-5A Galaxy aircraft bound for two Florida bases, Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and MacDill Air Force, Nov. 12 as part of the 433rd Airlift Wing's 2015 Employer of the Guard and Reserve Boss Lift.

The two-day trip, sponsored by the Department of Defense's ESGR office, gave local military Reserve and Guard employers an up-close look at the U.S. Air Force mission and a better understanding of what their Reserve employees go through while in uniform. This year's trip included tours of Cape Canaveral AFS and its Air Force Space and Missile Museum as well as MacDill AFB and the 927th Air Refueling Wing and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Attendees also experienced an aerial refueling of a C-5A Galaxy by a KC-135 Stratotanker from the cockpit of the Galaxy on their return flight home.

"This is one of our regular programs ESGR has all over the nation to help the employer spend some time in seeing the world that their Reservist is working in so that they can really understand that they are not simply running off to camp," said Caryl Hill, ESGR Texas area chair. "I think this trip was very eye opening for the employers. The things they saw were all very impressive. I hope it will open up the door and encourage more bosses to come to the wing and see the awesome things the Airmen do here."

This year's attendees all have close ties to the 433rd Airlift Wing as they nominated Airman within the wing and also ESGR leadership.

Elizabeth Vasquez, who works for United Airlines, was nominated by one of her employees, who is also a Reservist in the wing.

"We actually have a lot of military members working at United Airlines," she said. "I've been working there 20 years and have heard a lot of stories from our military members. This trip really makes all their stories come together. I have a new perspective and appreciation for what they do."

Vasquez said flying in the C-5A Galaxy during the trip, including time in the cockpit while it underwent an aerial refueling, was especially exciting for her.

"I've seen the C-5 in photos, but to see its insides up-close and ride in it is amazing," she said.

Another trip attendee, Sergio M. Gonzalez of VIA Metropolitan Transit, said he was also appreciative of his nomination for the trip.

"I have been an ESGR volunteer for more than 10 years and this is the first time I've been able to attend a tour such as this," he said. "I am thankful for the opportunity to learn about the greater Air Force Reserve mission as well as the opportunity to get to know other civic and community leaders. This tour exceeded my expectations, especially the historical highlight in visiting Cape Canaveral Air Force Station and the unofficial memorial of Apollo I."

Gonzalez added that he is proud to be part of a company that has such a positive relationship with the military and Reservists within the 433rd AW.

"One of our employees, Mike Vaquera, is about to retire from the 433rd Airlift Wing with over 30 years of service," he said. "We are very proud of his service, and the fact that we support our service members and Reservists."

San Antonio Police Department Deputy Chief Anthony Trevino, a retired Air Force chief master sergeant, said the experience was like a "re-bluing" for him as he retired from the military in 2011.

"I spent 23 years in the Air Force, and many of the members in my organization are still serving in the Guard and Reserves, so I do have insight into the Air Force," he said, "but having retired years ago, it's important to have that refresher and reestablish that profound appreciation for what our Guard and Reserve Airmen do. It was also nice to see a different side of the mission at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station with the space program. There is such a rich history there. I'm very thankful I was afforded this opportunity."

As the Boss Lift came to a close early on the evening of Nov. 13, Col. David A. Scott, 433rd AW vice commander, thanked everyone for attending.

"I hope everyone had a wonderful time and that you all now have a better perspective of the great things our Airmen are doing while in uniform," he said. "Thank you for your support. We couldn't do what we do without it."

The ESGR is a Department of Defense office that seeks to foster a culture in which all employers support and value the employment and military service members of the National Guard and Reserve in the United States, according to its website. The office was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve component service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment. For more information, visit www.esgr.mil.