Employer Appreciation Day hailed as a success Published June 5, 2011 By Master Sgt. Stan Coleman Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga -- It's not unusual for civilian employers and co-workers to ask a reservist "what do you do during your drill weekend" or "what is your contribution to the war in Southwest Asia or any humanitarian/disaster relief efforts." In answering those questions, 94th Airlift Wing reservists are given the opportunity to invite their employers out and give them a first-hand sampling of wing operations, flight activities and jobs of the reservists, civilians and air reserve technicians who serve at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. This year, 22 employers accepted the invitation to pay a visit to the 94th. The visit included a mission briefing by Col. Timothy Tarchick, 94th AW commander; a demonstration by the 94th Civil Engineer Squadron's Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, a C-130 orientation flight, and a demonstration of in-flight medical care provided by the 94th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. The civilian bosses also dined at the Dobbins Consolidated Club and were presented Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve certificates. The visiting employers also shared their views on the importance of employer support. "The reservist who works for me is one of my best employees," said Mr. Jerry Sparks, United States Postal Service postmaster. "It is important for employers and the country to support our reserve military forces. "People don't always recognize that employees who serve in the Reserves have to juggle family, their civilian jobs and their personal lives as well as their military responsibilities. If a reservist doesn't have the support of his or her employer, it puts a lot more stress on them," said Mr. Sparks. Chief John Houser, Cobb County Police Department employer, shared his views on employer support. "A large number of our people have prior military experience and are still serving. We recognize the need for employer support and we maintain a good working relationship with Dobbins," he said. During the luncheon employers expressed their gratitude for having the opportunity to experience the demonstrations and hospitality of the 94th AW. "Everything was first class," said one employer. Colonel Tarchick expressed his gratitude for the support of the employers. "Thank you for sharing your people. If our reservists are not happy at their civilian jobs, they won't be happy here," he said. "We appreciate the balance and support you give. Our reservists don't serve just for the money. It is the support of our civilian employers and a sense of duty, sacrifice and love of country that keeps us going."
