Earlier this month, Art Larsen, Job Service Field Director with Minnesota’s Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), was invited to participate in the Minnesota Air National Guard’s 133rd Airlift Wing Bosslift. The event brought together 24 employers of Airmen to provide an inside look at the mission, training, and resources available to support Service Members and their civilian employers.
As an employer of a member of the 133rd Airlift Wing, Art had the opportunity to learn more about the experiences and responsibilities of Service Members and how employers can better support employees who serve in the National Guard. The invitation encouraged employers to visit the facility to “see and hear what our Minnesota Air National Guard 133rd Airlift Wing and their resources have to offer and what training looks like for Service Member employees.”
The day began with breakfast prepared by the 133rd, followed by an ESGR USERRA briefing, a presentation from the Wing’s Command Chief, and visits to the workstations of Airmen. These activities provided employers with a firsthand perspective on the training and commitments their Service Member employees experience.
Art was also able to spend time with the employee who nominated him, Melissa Ball-Warriner, and visit her office space at the base, learning more about the Air National Guard and discussing how employers can support their Service Member employees. The event reinforced the importance of communication and understanding between employers and the National Guard.
The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of the Defense office, works to develop and promote supportive work environments for National Guard and Reserve members through outreach, recognition, and education. ESGR also assists in resolving conflicts between Service Members and their civilian employers.
The Bosslift concluded with a C-130 flight over Lake Superior, including views of the Apostle Islands, Split Rock Lighthouse, and Duluth’s Aerial Lift Bridge.
For employers, supporting employees who serve is more than accommodating time away from the workplace. It is about understanding their service, recognizing the skills and experiences they bring back to the workplace, and knowing what resources are available to help both the employee and employer succeed.
