Up Close and Flying High 2024 Bosslift Soars

Published Sept. 18, 2024
By Tech. Sgt. Melissa Estevez
433rd Airlift Wing

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas --

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve hosted a “Bosslift” for more than 20 civilian employers of the Alamo Wing Reserve Citizen Airmen, Sept. 14.

Bosslift is an employer outreach program where service members nominate their civilian employers to receive the opportunity to observe military operations and gain an appreciation for what their employees do while they are away serving their military commitment.

During the event, employers flew across South Texas in the C-5M Super Galaxy, which is the largest aircraft in the Air Force inventory. This flight allowed employers to view the mission of the 433rd Airlift Wing directly. They were also able to receive briefings from the commander and ESGR leadership, view static displays and interact with service members.

Civilian employers of Alamo Wing Reserve Citizen airmen prepare to take a flight in a C-5M Super Galaxy during the “Bosslift” event Sept. 14, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The C-5 is the Air Force’s largest aircraft, its mission is to transport cargo and personnel for the Department of Defense. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve volunteers and Alamo Wing Reserve Citizen Airmen prepare to board a C-5M Super Galaxy during the “Bosslift” event Sept. 14, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The C-5 is the Air Force’s largest aircraft, its mission is to transport cargo and personnel for the Department of Defense.  (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)

Maj. Luke Luecke, 68th Airlift Squadron C-5 pilot, shows Junelle Vasquez, a FedEx operations manager, C-5 navigational data while Lt. Col. Aaron Lewton, 68th Airlift Squadron C-5 pilot, flies the C-5 over Texas, Sept. 14, 2024. The C-5 is the Air Force’s largest aircraft, its mission is to transport cargo and personnel for the Department of Defense.

“Guard and Reserve forces account for over 40 percent of our military force,” Robert Siller, ESGR volunteer. “If it weren't for the cooperation and support of these employers, we would not have the effective defense forces that we have.”

Robert Siller is an Air Force retiree and has been an ESGR volunteer for 15 years. Siller said ESGR has given him the opportunity to give back by informing the guard and reserve servicemembers about their rights and responsibilities in their civilian employment.

“It's important for the community to understand that when you sacrifice your employee, you're sacrificing for the country,” said Francisco Gonzalez, Bexar County Juvenile Probation Department assistant unit supervisor.

Gonzalez was nominated by his employee Senior Airman Amber Fuller. Gonzalez was impressed by the professionalism and preparedness of the reservists.

Michael Glackin, Eddie V's Prime Seafood assistant manager, boards a C-5M Super Galaxy during the “Bosslift” event Sept. 14, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. “The military is part of the community, and you know they're the most honorable part of the community, if you ask me, because they defend our freedoms in this country and keep our freedoms free.” (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)

“The military is part of the community, and you know they're the most honorable part of the community, if you ask me, because they defend our freedoms in this country and keep our freedoms free,” said Michael Glackin, Eddie B's Prime Seafood assistant manager. “It's a no brainer to come out here and support the military if you're an active part of the community.”

During the culmination of the event employers were presented with a statement of support that is signed by an ESGR representative, the secretary of defense and the employer which symbolizes their pledge to recognize, support and advocate for the guard and reserve service members.

Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve volunteers and civilian employers of Alamo Wing Reserve Citizen airmen pose for a photo with their statement of support during the “Bosslift” event Sept. 14, 2024, at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas. The document symbolizes their pledge to recognize, support and advocate for the guard and reserve service members. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Jacob Lewis)