Dobbins Thanks, Educates Employers

by Senior Airman Elizabeth Gaston, 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs,

On a clear day, a C-130 flies a true path. However, when high winds are added that path will remain true, but the aircraft stands to be jostled around.

For an inexperienced passenger, this can be a nauseating, trying ordeal. As local civilian employers exited a C-130 on such a day, shaky legs walked back to an awaiting bus.

These employers got to see what exactly a Reserve aircrew can go through and, hopefully, gained a new respect for Dobbins' own Citizen-Airmen.

Employers of Dobbins Air Reserve Base Reservists were given an extensive orientation of what exactly doing the mission entails, during the 94th Airlift Wing's annual Employer Appreciation Day June 2.

The day started with a presentation by Col. Timothy E. Tarchick, 94th AW commander, highlighting the wing's mission and culminated with the ride on a C-130 Hercules.

"The purpose of Employer Appreciation Day is to say 'thank you' to civilian employers for their support of the wing's mission by allowing members time to train with the Air Force Reserve," said Tarchick. "This event is also designed to provide civilian employers a better understanding of the Air Force Reserve and 94th Airlift Wing's mission."

Each employer was also invited to see, first-hand, what their respective Reservist does at their specific shop, which ranges anywhere from C-130 crewmember to 22nd Air Force administration.

"I enjoyed being able to take my boss out and show him a little bit about what we do on the aircraft," said Tech. Sgt. Herman W. Trautwein, 94th AW C-130 loadmaster and Marietta Fire Department Lt. "As a Lieutenant, it sometimes creates a hardship to have to ask off, but today I got to say 'thanks' for 22 years of support from the Marietta Fire Department."

The 94th Airlift Wing was supported with this endeavor by the Georgia Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, who provided breakfast and lunch to all Employer Appreciation Day participants. ESGR acts as an educator to the employer and an advocate for the servicemember.

"The day went really well," said Tonia Randall, administrative support technician for ESGR. "Participation for this event was really nice. We were able to get the word out about ESGR and the wing was definitely able to get the message out to the employers."

In addition, the visiting employers were escorted to the explosive ordnance disposal range for demonstrations by the wing's EOD personnel and the 94th AW security forces squadron.

"We were able to enhance the employer's understanding of our mission while highlighting the importance of our Reservists and the rigors of today's Citizen-Airmen," said Col. Richard L. Kemble, 94th Airlift Wing vice commander. "Events like this are essential to educating and nurturing the relationship we have with our employers and EGSR provides that critical linkage between the employer and our Airmen."

All in all, employers and Reservists were pleased with the experience and the day was a marked success. Employers were able to see first-hand, how Reservists train to ensure they are ready to accomplish the wartime mission when called upon by the active force.

For more information of ESGR, click here.

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