Employer's Day 2010

Master Sgt. Brian Allison, 911th Airlift Wing Honor Guard manager, speaks to local employer’s about the important role the Honor Guard and Color Guard play in the military’s overall mission, Oct. 2, during Employer’s Day 2010. Employer’s had the opportunity to view displays, talk with Reservists, observe demonstrations, receive several briefi ngs and fl y in a C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft. (Photo by Senior Airman Joshua J. Seybert)

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Local employer’s spend day at base, see what Reservist's do at their other job

Published Dec. 2, 2010
By Tech. Sgt. Scott Pryor
911 AW/PA

PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- Employer's Day 2010 brought more than 20 visitors to the Pittsburgh International Airport Air Reserve Station Oct. 2.

The event is designed to educate employers on their Air Force Reservist's role in the base's mission.

"Never in my wildest dreams would I have imagined the facilities and the amount of people involved," said Mike Tarquino from Nicholas Management. "I was totally impressed."

"I had a blast," said Mr. Tarquino. "I wish I could make a weekend out of this. If I could turn the clock back I would have joined up, but I missed the boat."

The visitors' day began with a continental breakfast and a briefing from senior base leadership including Col. Jeffrey T. Pennington, Col. Daryl J. Hartman and Col. Bryan J. Bly. Mr. Del Spafford, from Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, also spoke to employers about the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act.

For some visitors this was their first experience on a military base, while others have taken part in events such as this on numerous occasions. Mr. John Turek Jr., vice president of sales for United Industrial Group, said this isn't his "first rodeo." He's toured the base six or seven times and enjoys watching it grow.

Visitors saw various displays including: a C-130 Hercules engine and propeller, two Humvees, life support equipment, various weapons of Security Forces, a chemical gear display, Honor Guard, Family Services a pallet build-up demonstration by the 32nd Aerial Port Squadron and a demonstration by the 911th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron.

"I was especially intrigued by how they conduct the evacuation of litters and ambulatory care," said Mrs. Celine Nista with a large smile on her face. "It was very intense!" Mrs. Nista is the Western Region coordinator and rider-coach trainer for the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation's Motorcycle Safety Program.

She will be back on base in the spring to train prospective military personnel to teach the MSP.

After viewing a static display of a C-130 Hercules, all the employers were presented with a framed certificate from ESGR. The certificate was a statement of support for USERRA, which is a federal law that establishes the rights and responsibilities for members of the Reserves and their civilian employers. According to www.military.com/benefits/legal-matters/userra/faq, USERRA prohibits employers from denying any benefit of employment on the basis of an individual's membership, performance of service, or obligation for service in the uniformed services.

In the afternoon, the visitors received a safety briefing prior to a C-130 flight. The flight flew to Seven Springs, Pa., and then circled over downtown Pittsburgh before returning to the base.

Mr. Bob Grafton, of Philips Respironics, particularly enjoyed being allowed into the cockpit. He described being able to look out the windows and receiving a "guided tour" via headphones while an AES member explained what they do.

The flight was the last scheduled part of Employer's Day 2010. Some participants departed, some visited their reservist's work stations and others stayed to see an awards ceremony for the recently deployed Airman.