HELENA, Mont. – Saturday’s don’t get any better than this! Helena area employers were treated to a close up view of the “Sleeping Giant” while taking a UH 60 Black Hawk during an Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) helicopter flight or bosslift. The well-known local landmark is named for a profile of Beartooth Mountain and lower elevation rock outcroppings that resemble a reclining human figure as visible from Helena.

For 50 years, ESGR has supported workplaces that value employing National Guard and Reserve members. ESGR works to promote employer awareness of USERRA laws, resolved conflicts, and help make the employer-military employee relationship work. Part of this relationships building is inviting employers to a helicopter flight or boss lift. Montana ESGR hosted employers of Montana Guard and Reserve members for a Helena area boss lift on a Saturday at the end of May.

The Department of Defense event familiarizes employers and community leaders with the vital role the Guard and Reserve plays in preserving national security. It acquaints employers with how the Guard and Reserve train in response to their community and their country in a time of need.
Flights were courtesy of crews from the Montana Army National Guard 1-189th General Support Aviation Battalion (1-189th GSAB).

The flights are the opportunity for Montana ESGR volunteers to educate employers about the Uniformed Service Employment Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA). This federal law protects the job rights of those who leave a civilian job to perform military service.

ESGR is a resource for Montana employers who have questions about hiring or working with a current Reserve Component member. Employers were invited to sign a personalized Statement of Support certificate to take back to their place of work to display in support of Montana’s Guard and Reserve. For more information on ESGR visit www.ESGR.mil.

Photo: A view of Helena, Montana’s “Sleeping Giant” rock formation in the Beartooth Mountains taken out of the back of a Black Hawk helicopter by Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Boss Lift Coordinator Mike Flaherty. The flight was part of an educational outreach to local employers in the Helena area.