MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The 927th Air Refueling Wing at MacDill hosted nearly 30 civic leaders from the state of Florida on a two-day orientation flight onboard a KC-135 Stratotanker, Jan. 19-20.
The event was sponsored by the Florida Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a Department of Defense organization that develops and promotes a supportive work environment for service members through outreach opportunities directed toward influential members of the civilian community.
The flight was specifically intended for civilians that are employers of the wing’s traditional reservists to educate them on the roles and missions of the Air Force Reserve. It was also designed to give them an understanding of what their employees do when they are fulfilling their military commitment.
“This trip really opened up my eyes to the amount of work the Reserve does to keep each wing moving,” said Pete Denove, Senior Director at Arthrex, Inc. “The program was perfectly done without a minute wasted, and I want to thank the wing for a learning experience I will never forget.”
The event began with a mission briefing from Col. Mike Remualdo, 927th ARW vice commander, and remarks from the state ESGR Chairman, James Dicks. Shortly after departing MacDill, the civilians were able to witness an air-to-air refueling mission as two C-17 Globemasters from Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, received fuel from the KC-135.
Over the next day and a half, the group was able to tour a C-17 static display at Charlestonand visit the 482nd Fighter Wing at Homestead Air Reserve Base, Florida. The whirlwind tour consisting of visiting three units in two days and showcased the diverse weapon systems the Reserve operates in defense of our nation.
“The Air Force Reserve is involved in nearly every mission the active duty is involved in, and this was a great opportunity to showcase the wide variety of skills our reservists possess,” Remualdo said. “Without the support of the civilian community, and employers like those that were on this flight, we would not be able to produce the qualified Airmen needed to accomplish our mission.”
For some of the reservists, this was also a way to show their employers how much they appreciate the support they have received over the years. Master Sgt. Monica Eastman, a flight medic assigned to the 45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, and a point of care technician in an emergency room, nominated her employer for the flight.
“Julie (Carter) has always been willing to work with me in taking time off to serve my country. The support Florida Hospital gives me has been unbelievable,” Eastman said. ”One thing I have never had to worry about while serving overseas was not having a job to come home to.”
Carter considers it an honor to be selected for this flight and is appreciative of all of her employees that come to her with military experience.
"They've done more in the military than they can ever do here," Carter said. "They come with a lot of knowledge and skills before they even get here and their training is so good, they almost show us what to do."
To learn more about the ESGR, visit http://esgr.mil/.