Employers 'mobilize' for August A UTA

  • Published
  • By MSgt. Andrew Biscoe
  • 439th AW Public Affairs
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  Employers of Westover reservists got an authentic view into military life Aug. 7.

The 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs staff set up a tent and camouflage netting in the Base Hangar to simulate a deployment. To add more realism, employers received a set of personalized dog tags, mobility folders, and a sampling of meals-ready-to-eat.

Other wing units assisted PA: Explosive ordinance disposal technicians brought in a bomb-sniffing robot. They suited one of the employers up in a bomb-proof suit. The base chaplain and personnel specialists from the military personnel flight worked the mobility line, just as they would with the real thing. Experts from security forces demonstrated the proper breakdown of the M-9, M-4, and M-16.

Out on the flight line in front of the hangar, a C-5 was on display. The bosses also got an idea of the aircraft's cavernous cargo deck as aerial porters instructed them on how to properly tie down cargo. The employers got handed pairs of gloves and tied the cargo down themselves.

One of the employers talked about how comprehensive the program was.

"The program was wonderful in showing employers many aspects of our employee's jobs with the Air Force," said Stephen Rappoport, employer of MSgt. Sonja Deyoe, 42nd
Aerial Port Squadron. "Employer Day gave us the opportunity to observe first-hand how Sonja contributes to our armed forces in both our war efforts and humanitarian efforts."

In her civilian job, MSgt. Deyoe works for an East Providence, R.I., law firm.

"I'm very proud of what Sonja does in these turbulent times," Rappoport said. "I will always cherish my memories of that day."

The base's new wing commander, Col. Steven Vautrain, thanked employers for taking time out of their weekends to support their employees.

"The reserve counts on our men and women to be ready to serve our country," Col. Vautrain said. "It is because of employers like you that we can maintain a robust force of traditional reservists who dedicate their weekends - like this one - to ensuring they are ready to accomplish our mission."