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Photo Information

Master Sgt. Aaron Scott, 336th Air Refueling Squadron boom operator, talks to Mary Samson, Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Oct. 16. Capt. Santiego Grijalva, 452nd Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, nominated Ms. Samson. (U.S. Air Force photo by Linda Welz)

Photo by Linda Welz

March hosts annual Employers Appreciation Days

26 Oct 2010 | Linda Welz

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing hosted the civilian employers of March Air Reserve Base service members during two Employer Appreciation Days, Oct. 2 and 16.

The employer orientations included a mission briefing and orientation flights. Representatives from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve were also present to explain employment rights for the members of the Guard and Reserve and to answer any questions the employers had.

"I think this is an amazing idea," said Mark Kring, Standard Pacific Homes. "I have a better understanding now of the relationship I--as the employer--have with the Air Force Reserve."

During both October unit training assemblies, crews from the 729th Airlift Squadron and the 336th Air Refueling Squadron demonstrated their aerial refueling skills as some employers viewed the 'passing of gas' to the C-17 Globemaster III's flight deck while others took a more relaxed view from the 'beds' inside the KC-135R Stratotanker's boom pod.

Alexandra Rollins, a project manager for Mangan, Inc., who works with Tech. Sgt.  Winston Demmin, 452nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, rode on the tanker. She said she had expected to have to sit down during the flight and that the employers would watch the refueling as a group while being closely monitored by the crew.

"Never in my wildest dreams did I think we would be able to see the refueling individually and up close," said Ms. Rollins. "It was like being part of a mission! It was awesome to talk with the crew. I'll never forget this!"

The missions took employers to a refueling track over Arizona where the crews connected and reconnected the boom several times, giving each employer the chance to see the feat and understand the role these crews fill as part of our nation's defense.

"It's always great to be able to show employers what their reservist employees are doing when they are called away from work," said 2nd Lt. Zachary Anderson, Fourth Air Force public affairs. "These events really give us an opportunity to show what we, as reservists, are doing to serve our country. It goes a long way in employer-employee relations."

Having never been on a military plane, Tina Hellwig, senior buyer for Core-Mark International, Inc., said she expected to get a glimpse of the pilots and possibly watch them fly, as well as a short view of the two planes fueling.

"My experience on the KC-135 was beyond any expectations I had!" said Ms. Hellwig, who flew on the Oct. 16 mission. "The crew explained everything they did and answered all of my questions with professionalism and a bit of humor. Watching our reservists in action and seeing how technically skilled they are was a humbling experience and showed me just how great they are. They truly deserve our gratitude and support for serving our country."

Albert Chu, CPC Presbyterian Church, said the flight experience showed him the intricacies of refueling a military aircraft in midair.

"This mission requires much skill and precision from the pilots, and further solidifies my appreciation for the military and all their hard work on a daily basis," said Chu, who flew on the C-17 on Oct. 2. "Thank you all for this experience and your sacrifice to make this a great country."