BDUs and a mobility line greeted the bosses who “deployed” to Westover in July.

A line of bosses filed out the door to the Westover Club as they waited to “in-process” for the annual Employer Day held July 7. Their employees – more than 30 reservists– assisted the group as each boss received a mobility folder, shot records and other vital information before their welcome from Brig. Gen. Wade Farris, 439th Airlift Wing commander.

As the bosses ate lunch with their reservist, they received “intelligence” that their deployment was taking place in a high-threat area of the world. To be prepared for this threat, two teams of employers competed with each other at donning JSLIST chemical warfare ensembles in the proper manner and time allotted.

The employers then heard about military life from a veteran reservist who recently deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq. Chief Master Sgt. Donald Martel, 42ndAerial Port Squadron, thanked his boss, James Muri, for his support. Mr. Muri was among the employers who flew aboard a Westover C-5 during the hour-long orientation flight over the hook of Cape Cod and along the southern Connecticut coast before returning to Westover.

Besides the C-5 flight, the employers toured their reservists’ workplace, the control tower, and the isochronal inspection (ISO) area. The afternoon culminated back at the club for a late afternoon mixer and opportunity to talk with Command Staff members. Employers were “relieved from duty” and returned to civilian life with a far greater understanding and appreciation for what reservists must do when away on military duty.

“It was truly an afternoon I won’t forget,” said Dennis Sciarrino, employer of Senior Airman Marina R. Buie, 439th Logistics Readiness Squadron. “Thank you for a wonderful day and the insight to the inner workings of the base.”

In the photo, employers make their way through a C-5 and head toward the passenger section, a long walk and one story up.