Joint Services Boss Day Event

  • Published
  • By Maj. Sandra Stoquert
  • 174th Attack Wing
HANCOCK FIELD AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, SYRACUSE, N.Y. --  Over 40 employers attended the Joint Services Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) Boss Day event hosted by the Marine Corp Reserve Center, Navy Operational Support Center, and the Air National Guard's 174th Attack Wing (ATKW) on Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Thursday, August 18.

The Joint Services ESGR Boss Day event has become an annual event that allows employers of Airmen, Soldiers, Marines, and Sailors in the Guard and Reserve to take part in demonstrations, tours, and a variety of hands-on activities in order to experience what their military employees do during their Unit Training Assemblies (UTA) one weekend a month, as well as during their deployments.

The Boss Day event began at the Marine Corp Reserve Center followed by a visit to Hancock Field Air National Guard Base (ANGB). While on Hancock Field guests received briefings given by Colonel Michael Smith, 174th ATKW commander, ESGR Committee Chair, Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Dennis Lutz, LCDR Amber Brandt, MBA, PHR, Commanding Officer, Navy Operational Support Center Syracuse, and the 152nd Air Operations Group.

"Our Airmen are able to serve their country, which they would not be able to do without the support that they receive from you," said Smith. "We appreciate your support and the time that you give them in order to do this and we want to say thank you and let you see some of the great things your employees are involved with here at Hancock Field."

Following the briefings, the group visited the Field Training Detachment where they were given the opportunity to view an MQ-9 aircraft, a Ground Control Station (GCS), a Civil Air Patrol (CAP) aircraft, the Mobile Emergency Operations Center (MEOC).

The visitors were also brought to the 274th Air Support Operations Squadron (ASOS) where they were able to see the latest equipment utilized by the squadron's Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) Airmen. Airmen from the 274th typically deploy with Army ground units where they assume command and control of NATO and U.S. strike aircraft when friendly forces are in close range of enemy forces.

Prior to departing Hancock Field, employers were honored by ESGR and given a Statement of Support certificate during a catered lunch held in the Heritage Room.

ESGR, a Department of Defense office, was established in 1972 to promote cooperation and understanding between Reserve Component Service members and their civilian employers and to assist in the resolution of conflicts arising from an employee's military commitment.