Annual event highlights employer support of reservists

  • Published
  • By 419th Public Affairs Staff
  • 419th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HILL AIR FORCE BASE, UT --  The 419th Fighter Wing hosted its annual Employer Appreciation Day Saturday welcoming more than 30 civilian employers. The event, held during the unit's October Unit Training Assembly, provided an opportunity for wing leadership to thank civilian employers for supporting their reservists.

"We appreciate all you do for our reservists," said Col. Walter "Buck" Sams, 419th Fighter Wing commander, while addressing the group. "We are keenly aware of the many sacrifices you make so that reservists may continue to serve."

Colonel Sams highlighted the wing's mission and the important role civilian employers play in supporting its reservists, especially when they are tasked to deploy in support of the Global War on Terrorism. He also acknowledged the challenges reservists face in balancing their families, civilian jobs, and military commitments.

After a mission brief, employers were treated to a flight aboard a KC-135 tanker aircraft from the Utah Air National Guard unit in Salt Lake City to view an F-16 aerial refueling. Col. Andrew Larson, 419th Fighter Wing vice commander, and Maj. Eric Mulert, a pilot in the wing's 466th Fighter Squadron, were on board to answer questions about the refueling and F-16 aircraft capabilities.

"This is an opportunity of a lifetime," said Robert Ford of the Utah Department of Environmental Quality, who has worked with several members of the wing. "It's a privilege and an honor to be able to work with Air Force reservists."

Employers also enjoyed a catered lunch provided by the local chapter of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, as well as a chance to sit in an F-16 cockpit, and participate in presentations from the wing life support and readiness personnel. Employers also had the chance to try on pilot life support gear and a variety of deployment equipment including flak vests, helmets, chemical suits, and masks.

Wing reservists pinned their employers with ESGR Patriot Pins during an informal ceremony honoring their support. ESGR representatives also briefed reservists on some of the benefits ESGR provides to support their civilian careers.

One employer, Whitewater Whirlpool Baths and Systems, was honored formally with ESGR's Above and Beyond Award, and was also named the 419th Fighter Wing's Employer of the Year. Whitewater Whirlpool Baths and Systems went the extra mile in supporting Senior Airman Chad Rasmusen, a traditional reservist with the 419th Maintenance Squadron, during his 45-day deployment to Iraq earlier this year.