BEALE AFB, Calif. –
Employers and civic leaders from Beale's surrounding communities joined 940th Wing reservists and their families for a day of education and camaraderie at the wing's annual Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve tour and Family Day picnic June 8.
The ESGR helps service members maintain a balance between their civilian and military commitments. The organization educates guardsmen and reservists and their employers about pertinent laws and policies.
Many of the wing's 900-plus reservists have full-time civilian jobs and the ESGR Employer Day tour gives employers the opportunity to see what Citizen Airmen employees do during a drill weekend.
"Employer Day tours give civilian employers glimpses into what a reservist does by visiting the installation, seeing the aircraft and touching the equipment," said ESGR vice chairperson of California, Christine Taylor.
The group toured the RQ-4 Global Hawk, U-2 Dragon Lady, fire truck and weapons displays, as each military professional explained the aircraft, equipment and provided them with a better understanding of the wing's capabilities.
"The airmen were very knowledgeable, I enjoyed getting up close and being able to feel the equipment and learn what my Reserve employee does," said Myriam Lomeli, Safeway customer service manager. "It was interesting to see how my reservist is a small piece of a big puzzle, something I didn't understand until today."
The day also allowed wing leadership to say thank you and recognize employers' support.
Col. John Trnka, 940th Wing commander, stressed how instrumental employers are in helping their reservists carry out the wing mission.
"As a mostly traditional reservist organization, the support of our employers is critical," Trnka said. "Building a good relationship between employers and the unit is vital, especially with the wing's transitioning missions over the next couple years."
The day wrapped up with the wing's annual Family Day picnic. Airmen, along with friends, family, employers and the wing's honorary commanders gathered for an afternoon of food and friendly competition.