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ESGR showcases part-time military

  • Published
  • By Airman Sean M. Crowe
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve personnel hosted the annual "Boss Lift" for employers from the tristate area May 8, 2013, here.

Employers visited several guard and reserve units across JB MDL to briefly experience the life of an auxiliary service member. The purpose of the Boss Lift is to rally employers' support for the members they employ.

"I once knew a young guardsman whose employer would hassle him about his military duties," said Tammy Cartagena, ESGR program support technician. "The same employer completely changed his opinion after going on a Boss Lift. He was completely supportive and wanted to be actively involved in rallying military support after his experience."

The Boss Lift provides a platform from which employers can observe service members as they perform their military duties. Employers have the opportunity to better understand the trials and tribulations their reservists undergo while fulfilling their monthly duty requirement.

New Jersey ESGR organized the event and arranged the billeting and meals for employer participants. The first day began with a welcome brief from Col. Charles Coursey, JB MDL deputy commander, and Maj. General Razz Waff, 99th Regional Support Command commader.

"The hosting agencies were extremely helpful putting on the event," said Cartagena. "The commander of every unit we visited was there to greet the employers and introduce them to the unit."

Employers proceeded to tour units throughout the two days including Army Support Activity Dix; 99th RSC; 1st Battalion, 150th Aviation Regiment; 514th Air Mobility Wing; Marine Aircraft Group 49; U.S. Coast Guard Atlantic Strike Team; Fleet Logistics Support Squadron 64(VR-64) and the 108th Wing. All the units in the itinerary comprise guard or reserve service members.

ASA-Dix and the 99th RSC provided simulators in which employers experienced driving-training, combat-medical and weapons scenarios for the first stop of the event. Groups of employers rotated between the three simulators enabling a broader perspective of Army Reserve training.

"The simulators provided me insight to what mobilizing service members experience," said police Master Sgt. Michael O'Toole, Connecticut State Police. "I supervise nine service members and it's difficult to put myself in their shoes since I don't have military experience."

Employers then ate lunch before proceeding to tour the 150th Avn. Regt. hangar on Lakehurst from where the group stepped outside to observe a 514th AMW C-17 Globemaster III practice a combat assault landing.

Attendees toured more of Lakehurst before returning to McGuire for dinner and an ESGR presentation.

Employers didn't skip a beat and began touring the rest of the units in the itinerary the next day at 8 a.m. Day two's lineup included the USCG AST, MAG-49, VR-64, the 108th Wing and the ASA-Dix museum.

A group of AST members briefed the employers on the AST's mission and capabilities. The brief included specific examples of situations they had responded to in the past. Tour guides then showed the employers around the AST facilities and showcased the equipment the unit uses to respond to biohazard and chemical emergencies.
"I spoke about what I do and how that plays into the role of AST," said Petty Officer 1st Class David Edelson, AST boatswain's mate. "I enjoyed explaining what the equipment does and what I do specifically."
Employers then toured their last stop, the MAG-49 headquarters and hangars. Part of the tour was dedicated to exploring the AH-1 SuperCobra inside and out.

"The pilots and aircrew were really friendly and familiarized us with the helicopters," said O'Toole.

The employers experienced many walks of life in the military across the two-day course.

Employers traveled here from places as far as Missouri to get a taste of the guard and reserve life. Some ESGR volunteers took vacation time from their normal jobs to assist with the Boss Lift.

The effort and support that goes into the event is tremendous, said Cartagena.