JOINT BASE CHARLESTON -- The 315th Airlift Wing takes to the Carolina sky for an Employer Airlift mission July 24, 2019, at Joint Base Charleston.
At 1,000 feet altitude, 40 Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve employers of S.C. are fastened and secured along the seats of a C-17 Globemaster III as the rear ramp began to open up to reveal the Charleston shores below. The view of Fort Sumter, Folly Beach and the Charleston Peninsula mid-flight displayed the aviation acrobatics and skills that our Guardsmen and Reserve Airmen maintain throughout their monthly duties in South Carolina.
With this firsthand understanding, the S.C. ESGR employers experienced superior air power. “It’s important for us to have the support of our employers to do what we do,” said Col. Lamar Thigpen, 315 AW vice commander.
Transparency of the Air Guard and Air Force Reserve missions to the civilian employers is crucial for maintaining communication that enables Airmen to provide top tier air support. The ESGR nominates employers annually for events that provide this clarity such as the Employer Airlift, also known as Boss Lifts.
“Events like these are excellent for initiating the conversation about how the Reservist and Guardsmen perform their missions,” said Stanley Cox, S.C. ESGR employment supervisor.
Many of these conversations reveal the background and talent of what service members bring to the table for employers.
“Our military employees have valuable backgrounds,” said Joe Waring, chief financial officer at the Evening Post Industry of Charleston. “They’re coachable, hold high accountability and operate well under deadlines.” Three service members are in senior positions with the Evening Post Industry due to their strong leadership qualities.
Many industries were represented that employ S.C. Reservist and Guardsmen from science, engineering, technology, math and much more. These employers seek out military members who exceed their standards by utilizing their military experience.
Being a veteran owned and operated company since 1988 this local Lexington business appreciates the quality service members they employ.
“Our Reserve and Guardsmen are task oriented and excellent leaders,” said Chris Hall, manager of Ernie Hall and Son Incorporated, Heating and Air Conditioning, of Lexington, S.C.
The ESGR allowed employers to experience some of the Air Force culture that helped them understand what draws their employees to put service before self.
Being a first time flyer, “it was so much more than I expected,” said Kaitlin Jordan, Charleston County Consolidated 9-1-1 Center. “It was an amazing first flight!”
These employers shared the excitement in accomplishing an Air Force mission and are proud to support employees in the armed forces.
“I am proud of what the ESGR does for both employers and the Reserve and Guardsmen,” said Ryan Price, engineering supervisor, at Spawar.
Without the support of the Reservist and Guardsmen employers, the Air Force would not be able to accomplish our mission and the ESGR provides strength through transparency.
“The 315 AW thanks employers very much,” said Col. Gregory Gilmour, 315 AW commander, at JB Charleston. “Because we couldn’t do what we do without the support of our civilian employers and their families.”