Barksdale employers experience Reserve life

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Mary Hinson
  • 917th Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE --  Fourteen employers of 917th Wing reservists got a chance to experience the Reserve life during the Employer Appreciation Day event held at Barksdale Air Force Base, La., on Nov. 1. Reservists invited their employers to the base to participate in a KC-135 air to air refueling of the A-10 and B-52 aircrafts, as well as get a special look at what the Air Force Reserve does and how their employers play an important role in the reservists' success. 

The purpose of this event was to help foster a good working relationship between the Air Force Reserve and civilian employers. For Master Sgt. Andrew Branning of the 917th Operations Support Flight, it was a chance for him to let his employer, CHRISTUS Health in Louisiana, see what reservists do. "I know it is interesting for them, and it gives them more of an insight into the Air Force," he said. 

"It also helps us appreciate you (reservists) more," added employer Brad Kalmbach of the Bossier City, La., Police Department. 

Following the flight, the employers were treated to lunch at the Barksdale's Officers' Club and an informative briefing on the benefits of the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve by Jack N. Humphries, Chairman, Louisiana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve. Some were taken by their employees to see their work centers. 

"It enlightens us. We'll go back and tell others about what you do. It (the word) gets around," said Richard Nunnery of the Bossier City, La., Police Department. 

Both the military and civilian sides agree that what the employees have learned in the military has benefitted them in the civilian world. "My ability to learn quickly and to train other people comes from here (the military)," said Sergeant Branning who is a program manager with CHRISTUS Health. "Also, the core values translate to my company." 

For Mr. Kalmbach of the Bossier City, La., Police Department, the level of professionalism and respect that comes from their employees who are reservists far surpasses others. And while no two jobs are alike, for Mr. Nunnery, there are skills learned in the military that are also vital in the civilian world: "Teamwork - You see that both in the military and the police department."