CAMP RIPLEY, Minn. – The Minnesota National Guard 2/136 Combined Arms Battalion (CAB) conducted an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Bosslift for nearly twenty employers of National Guard soldiers Aug. 24.

The day started with arrival at the Bemidji Regional Airport. First on the agenda was an ESGR briefing provided by ESGR Region 1 volunteer Doug Underthun. At 1000 a CH47 Chinook arrived to fly the employers to Camp Ripley. After signing Release of Liabilities and a safety briefing the employers were off for a one-hour flight to Camp Ripley.

Upon Landing at Camp Ripley the employers were escorted to the Education Center auditorium for a briefing from the 2/136 command. The employers were then ground transported downrange to the Sniper Range to observe a sniper team honing their skills. The sniper team invited employers to fire three rounds downrange. Several employers participated with many of them hitting the designated targets. The employers then transitioned to the .50-caliber machine gun range to observe its firing. They were also able to look at the gun trucks that transport the soldiers and these weapons. Due to the operating tempo, commonly known as OPTEMPO, and dispersion of training, the employers were not able to meet up with their individual soldiers. While this was a disappointment, the employers were still very positive about seeing Camp Ripley; learning about what their employees do when in uniform; and observing some of the equipment they use while conducting military training.

The employers had lunch in the field and then were transported back to the cantonment for a return flight to Bemidji. Upon landing in Bemidji, ESGR volunteer Doug Underthun conducted the signing of Statements of Support by the nineteen employers, confirming that their companies join 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 countrys 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 52 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: Group picture on the sniper range courtesy of the 2/136 Combined Arms Battalion (CAB) Public Affairs.