Local employers get first-hand look at joint reserve mission

  • Published
  • By TSgt Shawn David McCowan
  • 301 FW Public Affairs
NAS FORT WORTH JRB, TEXAS --  Naval Air Station Fort Worth Joint Reserve Base leadership and the 301st Fighter Wing teamed up with the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve for their first joint Bosslift May 5-6.

Employers and area business leadership boarded an Air Force KC-10 from the 514th Air Refueling Wing, McGuire Air Force Base, New Jersey, and headed south to Florida.
The bosslift's first stop was Naval Air Station Pensacola, where the Navy got to showcase its joint traning environment, and the importance of employer support for reservists.

The second leg of the trip took the group to Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., where they visited the 920th Rescue Wing.

The purpose of the ESGR is to help keep reservists and their employers aware of rules protecting their civilian employment. They also help employers stay connected to the mission of the military and the importance of reservists in that mission.

Annual Bosslifts are one way the ESGR and military help employers understand the mission of their employees.

The employers were wowed by the technology, training, skills and dedication needed to be a reservist assigned to a rescue unit.

After the bosslift, employers unanimously voiced support for their current and future reservist employees, and showed great appreciation for the efforts of both the reserve and the ESGR.

Many employers signed statements of support with the ESGR at the end of the trip.

Mr. Dale Fisseler, Fort Worth City Manager, says that Fort Worth employs many Reservists. He also said his support for his reservists was even stronger.

"The trip has reinforced my commitment to ensure that we provide any and all support needed for these dedicated employees."

Mr. Johnny Shotwell, Mayor Pro Tem of Crowley, Texas, says his city employs several reservists in their police department, and was more aware of reservists involvement in each community.

"This trip highlighted to me what a huge impact our reservists have in our current military. This was my first exposure to ESGR and their mission. I appreciate what they're doing, and have passed information about ESGR on to our Human Resources staff."

The local ESGR office can be reached at 817-386-7322.