Behind the scene look at 944th citizen airman

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Barbara Plante
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  The 944th Fighter Wing Air Force Reserve unit at Luke AFB hosted Boss's Day 2015 on Nov. 7, 2015 providing over 85 employers the perfect way to take a peek into the military service of their employees.

In an action packed day designed to provide civilian employers, from both across the valley and out of state, insight into a day in the life of a citizen airman, the guest employers observed wing members training in combat and support skills used during real world deployments.

Opening comments and a wing mission briefing were given by the 944 FW commander Colonel Kurt Gallegos.  "We have two goals here today, show case the 944th and have some fun."

From taking to the sky to observe a refueling mission from the belly of a KC-135, provided by the 434th Air Refueling Wing  from Grissom Air Reserve Base, Ind., to participating in a military convoy exercise employers were given a behind the scene look not given to many civilians. 

"This was just fabulous, well worth the trip.  It was so educational and I have to say I am really impressed with the staff everyone is prepared, friendly, and so knowledgeable.  The convoy training was a whole new experience for me," said Bobbie Gibbons, an insurance agent who traveled from Salt Lake City to attend the event.

Wing members showcased how they hone their combat skills, talked about personal experiences, discussed how they train on programs such as the Emergency Medical Systems, and explained how improvised explosive devices are discovered and de-armed.   The day's events also included several squadron exhibitions and demonstrations to include an F-35, F-16 and A-10 static display.  

Tech. Sgt. Brian Miller, a fuels technician with the 944th Logistics Readiness Squadron nominated his boss for a Patriot Award and asked her to attend the Boss's Day event.  "My supervisors are always understanding and supportive of my military commitment and overall decision to serve."

The Patriot Award, given by the Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, reflects the efforts made by civilian employers to support Reserve members through a wide-range of actions including flexible schedules, time off prior to and after deployment, caring for families and granting leaves of absence if needed.

  "The flight was so fun, this whole tour was an eye opening experience for sure," said Ms. Rebecca Keefer, Facility Manager for CB Richard Ellis/Cigna and civilian supervisors of Miller.   "I really had no idea what Brian did on a [unit training assembly] weekend, he has a great work ethic and wonderful customer service skills that I can see probably come from serving in the military." 

Closing out the day participants gathered for closing comments and presentation of ESGR Patriot Awards.   

The objective was to give employers a better understanding of what their Air Force Reserve Employees do when they are away from the office serving their military commitment.     "Balancing family, a civilian and a military career is not easy.  The support given by a civilian employer is invaluable, if it wasn't for you all, we could not do our job" said Gallegos.  "I truly believe we exceeded that goal here today."