Employers experience military might

Published June 7, 2012
By Airman 1st Class Ryan Throneberry
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- More than 40 employers from the tri-state area attended the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve "Boss Lift" event June 1 here.

The reserve boss lift event, which was hosted by Army Support Activity, included a visit to the Army Reserve and National Guard Battle Lab, a ride on a UH-60 Black Hawk and a trip to the Dix firing ranges for a weapons demonstration.

"This is a great way to acknowledge these employers' past support," said Frank Romano, ASA plans and operations officer. "Hopefully, this will ensure their continued support down the road."

The Boss Lift brings employers to military training sites where they observe national guard and reserve members on duty as part of the total force. This provides the employer a better understanding of what their Reservists do when they are away from their civilian occupation for duty with their military units.

"The biggest concern for our service members is that they can jump right back into their jobs after returning from training or a deployment without missing a beat," said Michael Stiskin, Department of Homeland Security field agent. "This event shows me exactly why we value our part-time military so much. These men and women come into with workforce with such a great drive and work ethic. We love the military for giving us such mature, dedicated personnel."

Employers saw firsthand the type and quality of military training and leadership activities national guard and reserve members receive. The selected sites for boss lifts are usually at national guard and reserve training sites and, if possible, with multiple branches of the military; in this case, the training areas on Dix.

The day started with breakfast and a series of briefings regarding the importance of civilian employer support. Each group member was also issued a 'meal ready to eat.' The group then headed to the ARNG Battle Lab facility where they saw first-hand some of the training programs and simulators used by service members.

The employers were moved to the Black Hawk landing zone, to eat their MREs and converse with other group members. Many acknowledged that they had never experienced an MRE and enjoyed preparing their own meal.

The group took flight after lunch in the three black hawks, soaring over the vast expanse of the Dix ranges; trees of the New Jersey pineland which stretched as far as the eye could see. They landed near range 59C and were trucked to the firing range in mine resistant ambush protected vehicles.

In front of the participants was a menagerie of small-arm firepower ready for their disposal. Each employer was able to shoot an M2 .50-caliber Machine gun, an M249 light machine gun, an M240B machine gun and an M4 carbine; something which many service members never get a chance to do. This was the final leg of the event and one which many participants claimed to be their favorite.

"It is now ever more apparent to me how important the Reserves and Guard are, not only for the war effort, but homeland security and disaster relief as well," said Joe Bennet, Bennet Family Dealerships president. "This has been one of the most memorable days of my life."

The boss lift provided employers and local dignitaries a fun, informative and professional look to "a day in the life" of a mobilized Soldier.
The ESGR also hosted two more boss lift events earlier in the week which were equally successful. The boss lift is one of several tools used by the ESGR to spread awareness of the program.
"By way of Boss Lifts, Award Events, and Job Fairs, ESGR is getting the word to the Civilian Employers about the quality individual they will have on their staff when hiring a service member," said Tammy Cartegena, ESGR program support technician. "Regardless of being Guard, Reserve or Active Duty our service members represent the best of the USA."

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Employers experience military might