ST. PAUL, Minn. – The 133rd Airlift Wing conducted a Bosslift for employers of the unit’s Reserve Component Service Members May 20.

The day started with breakfast, a welcome from the Wing Commander Col. Jesse Carlson, and an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) briefing by Minnesota Committee volunteer Dr. Everett Doolittle. Employers then participated in an orientation flight on a C-130.

The Bosslift allows employers to experience and better understand what their service members do when they are away from work for military duty.

In addition to participating in the Bosslift, representatives from the 12 employers attending signed an ESGR Statement of Support, confirming that the company joins other employers in pledging:

• We fully recognize, honor, and comply with the Uniformed Services Employment and Re-Employment Rights Act (USERRA).
• We will provide our managers and supervisors with the tools they need to effectively manage employees who serve in the Guard and Reserve.
• We appreciate the values, leadership and unique skills service members bring to the workforce and will encourage opportunities to hire Guardsmen, Reservists and Veterans.
• We will continually recognize and support our country’s service members and their families, in peace, in crises and in war.

ESGR is a Department of Defense office that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the National Guard and Reserve through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities that increase awareness of applicable laws. ESGR also provides assistance in resolving conflicts between Service members and their employers.

ESGR celebrates over 51 years of excellence in support of the Reserve Components and their civilian employers. For more information about ESGR outreach programs or volunteer opportunities, call (800) 336-4590 or visit www.ESGR.mil.

Photo left to right, front row: David Wohlers with Bureau of Indian Education, Ted Steidl with Bureau of Indian Education, Jenifer Hinnenthal with Medtronic, Kelly Ashley with Mayo Clinic Health System, Paul Tarnowski with Best Buy, Angela Smithson with University of Minnesota Physicians. Back row: Larry Robertson Veterans Benefits Administration, Ryan Schabel with Prevalent Inc., Dustin Anderson with Target Corporation, Travis Holbrook with Eau Claire County, Sharon McIlquham with Eau Claire County, Diane Smith with MNIT Services, Doug Anderson with New Perspective, Christian Bowen with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and Chad Sackett with Minnesota ESGR.