PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- Employers and supervisors ranging from an energy transportation company to police departments and hospitals to even a Colorado brewery were on hand Aug. 5, 2016 here to gain a better understanding of the mission performed by their Air Force Reserve employees.
The 302nd Airlift Wing, an AF Reserve organization based here, hosted its annual Employer Appreciation Day event as a way to educate more than 40 employers and supervisors of Air Force Reserve members on the challenges faced by the military members as well as recognize them for the continued support and flexibility they provide.
The day included an in-brief from Col. Jim Devere, 302nd AW commander, on the wing’s overall mission sets of tactical airlift and airdrop, aeromedical evacuation, support functions and flying the Modular Airborne Firefighting System. Employers also flew on a C-130 Hercules during an orientation flight over southern Colorado as well as a first-hand look at the 302nd Security Forces Squadron’s “VirTra” first responder simulator.
Reacting to the day’s events, James Vanselow, a regional operations manager for Solar Transport, said he wish he could “photocopy” his reservist employee, SSgt Daryl Gibbs, a aircraft technician in the 302nd Maintenance Squadron.
“I want more of him,” Vanselow said. “The camaraderie and the professionalism of the Air Force is just awesome. The professionalism and expectations to show up to work and do it right, treating everybody with respect … these things can be hard to find these days with the new generation. When can I do it again?”
The event also featured the Colorado chapter of the Department of Defense’s Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, which provided information on the employer-employee relationship that allows for the AF Reservist to both meet their civilian and military obligations.
Julie Lombard, an assistant nurse manager for the Castle Rock Adventist Hospital emergency room, said she had no clue what goes on at the reserve assignment of her employee, Capt. John West. West is assigned to the 34th Aeromedical Staging Squadron as the officer in charge of training.
“There’s so much more that goes on out here,” she said. “I would encourage my staff that, if there was a time they could ever experience something like this, to take advantage of it. In a way, it’s kind of like two, full-time jobs. I have a ton of respect for the reservists out here.”