KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --
Citizen Airmen often wear multiple hats. They have to maintain a military career and a civilian career.
When a member has to leave their civilian job to serve their country, civilian employers may understand why, but still feel a hole when the member is gone. That’s what one Airman’s employer, Bethany Butler, assistant branch manager at Navy Federal Credit Union in Gulfport mentioned during her visit to Keesler.
To show employers the value of their Citizen Airmen’s time away from their civilian workplaces, the 403rd Wing hosted an Employ Appreciation Day Nov. 5. This event gave employers the opportunity to see the 403rd Wing’s mission up close and helped them understand what their Citizen Airmen have volunteered to do for their country.
Before her participation in Employer Appreciation Day, Butler said her understanding of what her employee, Staff Sgt. Jordan Watson, does as an air transportation journeyman with the 41st Aerial Port Squadron was to load cargo on airplanes.
After attending the event, she was able to understand more of what Watson does in her military life.
“I am just amazed that they are able to move all that and do everything in a hurry. To be able to go out there and do that in addition to all the training they have to do, it’s amazing,” said Butler. “All the little details that are in place (that) she has to focus on and make sure they are correct, (they) make everything work beautifully.”
The mission briefings, flight with the 815th Airlift Squadron and demonstrations of palate building, weapons, gas masks, deployment bags and self-aid/buddy care provided employers an opportunity to understand and appreciate what the Air Force Reserve teaches their Citizen Airmen.
“They pick up different talents when they work for the military, so when they return to the workplace, everyone else there is able to experience, learn and grow from them as well,” said Butler.
"It's a great asset having Airmen who come from diverse backgrounds with a variety of civilian careers and varying talents. They bring a valued set of skills with them that ultimately enrich their contributions to the Air Force Reserve. The experiences our Airmen gain while serving allow them to bring back qualities and skills that benefit the employers and businesses," Col. Michael Manion, 403rd Wing commander said. "We appreciate the employers for allowing their employees to serve their country. The support of both employers and family members is vital for us to accomplish our mission."
Watson’s military supervisor, Tech. Sgt. Timothy Entrekin, an air terminal operations supervisor with the 41st APS, said the Employ Appreciation Day also serves as a morale booster for Airmen when their employer is able to come visit.
“(The employers) can see that what I do is worth it and that it means something. Their support doesn’t go unwarranted; it’s worth something,” said Watson.