Bosslift sept 2015

A KC-135 from MacDill Air Force Base refuels an E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) during a boss lift for 927th Air Refueling Wing reservists employers and local civic leaders. The Boss lift program at MacDill AFB, is a joint program between the 927th ARW and state committee members from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. (Courtesy photo by Ami Forte, Managing Partner at Morgan Stanley)

Bosslift sept 2015

Employers of 927th Air Refueling Wing reservists and local civic leaders took flight as part of the boss lift program, Satruday, September 19, 2015.The Boss lift program at MacDill AFB, is a joint program between the 927th ARW and state committee members from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The Boss lift program at MacDill AFB, is a joint program between the 927th ARW and state committee members from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). (Courtesy photo by Robin Sollie, Tampa Bay Beaches Chamber of Commerce, CEO)

Bosslift sept 2015

Over 70 civilian employers of 927th Air Refueling Wing Airman and community leaders from across the state, pose for a group photo on the flightline at MacDill AFB, Fla., Saturday, September 19, 2015. To further civilian employer and community understanding of the Wing’s mission and the sacrifices our Citizen Airmen make every day, participants were given the opportunity to take flight and witness the Airmen in action. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Adam C. Borgman)

Bosslift sept 2015

Staff Sgt. Caleb Sieben refuels an E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System during a boss lift for employers of 927th Air Refueling Win reservists and local civic leaders, Saturday, September 19, 2015. Next to Sieben is Mr. Clint Borm, director of physician relations, Laser Spine Institute and 927th Aerospace Medicine Squadron Honorary Commander. The Boss lift program at MacDill AFB, is a joint program between the 927th ARW and state committee members from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Capt. Joseph T. Simms)

Employers of 927 ARW Reservists and local Civic Leaders take flight

Published Sept. 23, 2015
By Staff Sgt. Kyle McIntyre
45th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron

MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Over 70 civilian employers of 927th Air Refueling Wing Airmen and community leaders from across the state, took flight Saturday, as part of the 927th ARW employer flight program, also known as a Boss Lift.

In an attempt to further civilian employer and community understanding of the wing's mission and the sacrifices our citizen airmen make every day, participants were given the opportunity to take flight and witness our Airmen in action.

"It was an amazing experience," said Dr. Kathleen Heide, the 927th Security Forces Squadron Honorary Commander and criminology professor at the University of South Florida . "You really have to experience it to appreciate everything these Airmen do when they leave their civilian lives to put on the Air Force uniform."

True to form, the 927 ARW decided to go big or go home. The wing invited over 70 civilian employers and community leaders to participate in Saturday's event. Each of the participants were nominated by a member of the 927 ARW or a local civic leader, allowing the wing to directly engage those individuals that matter most to the success of our Airman and the wing's mission. The participants were able to witness first-hand the 927 ARW's force projection support capabilities, through live in-flight refueling demonstrations of both F-16 Fighting Falcons and the E-3 Sentry Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS).

To support the large number of participants and real-world training there were three KC-135 Strato-tankers utilized to complete the event. Though some minor setbacks did occur, both air and ground crewmembers pulled together and worked diligently to ensure all issues were quickly resolved, allowing the event to continue and every guest to experience the flight.

"Thank you for hosting such an amazing day," said Yvette Segura, 6th Operations Group Honorary Commander and Tampa Regional Director of USAA. "I'm so proud of our reservists and today just made that pride grow even stronger."

The Boss lift program at MacDill AFB, is a joint program between the 927th ARW and state committee members from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). For more information about the ESGR visit http://esgr.mil/.