MONTGOMERY, Ala. – A group of civilian employers of National Guard and Reserve members in Alabama participated in a Boss Lift on Sept. 9-10 to Norfolk Naval Station, Norfolk, Va.

Boss lifts are conducted by state committees of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) to introduce employers to some of the training exercises their employees undergo when called up for military duty.

Some members of the Alabama Committee of ESGR accompanied the employers on a C-130 aircraft at Maxwell Air Force Base in Montgomery as part of a training mission for the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 908th Air Wing. The unit’s commander, Col. Bret Clark, took the controls as his crew briefed the passengers and went about their regular duties during the flight.

Upon their arrival at Norfolk, the group of 35 was escorted to the U.S.S. Aircraft Carrier Harry S. Truman and the U.S.S. Mitscher Destroyer for tours and briefings. The employers also visited a Hawkeye Aircraft Squadron whose mission is to provide communication and radar support for the Navy. They were briefed by members of the F-16 Squadron and were able to see one of the magnificent aircraft up close.

Members of the Naval Expeditionary Command visited the employers and explained how critical their military employees are to both training and combat missions. They expressed their gratitude to the employers for supporting fellow service members and their families left back home when they are called away from their civilian duties.

The last stop on the whirlwind tour was to visit a Heavy Lift Helicopter Squadron, where they observed one of the largest load-carrying helicopters in the military.

After returning to Maxwell AFB, the Boss Lift participants expressed how much they enjoyed the trip and the opportunity to see first-hand what an important role members of the Guard and Reserve have in the defense of our nation.

ESGR is a Department of Defence agency established in 1972 that seeks to promote a culture in which all American employers support and value the military service of their employees. Their mission is to recognize outstanding military support, increase awareness of the law, and resolve conflicts through informal mediation. For more information, please visit www.esgr.mil.