Employers get a taste of the UTA weekend with Reservists

  • Published
  • By Paul Zadach
  • 934th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MINNEAPOLIS-ST. PAUL AIR RESERVE STATION --  Civilian employers of 934th Airlift Wing Reservists had the chance to see what their employees do during those "drill weekends" by coming out Aug. 4th for Employers Day during the Unit Training Assembly. 

Employers were briefed on the 934th Airlift Wing mission by Col. Darrell G. Young, 934th Airlift Wing commander.  Representatives from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve were on hand to explain the role of the ESGR in the Employer/Reservist relationship and about programs available to employers of Reservists.

Flying aboard a 934th Airlift Wing C-130 training mission, employers learned about the flying mission and also were treated to views of the North Shore of Lake Superior.  934th AW Reservists met their employers upon their return from the flight, had lunch with them at the Services Club and then took employers on a tour of their Reserve work centers.
"Employers day was absolutely amazing," said Joel Wollum, employer of Tech. Sgt. Ricky Zenner.  "I felt like I was treated like a person of honor.  Never in my life have I ever experienced anything like this. It was absolutely amazing to see behind the scenes of the operation. Then, to top it off, like icing on a cake, being able to fly in an airplane and check out the scenery on the North Shore. I was able to identify the Split Rock Lighthouse from the air. In my opinion, this was first class all the way. The men and women that serve our country are amazing, praise God for them. I am extremely grateful and thankful that I was able to take part this event of appreciation for employers."

Through the Employers Day experience employers gain a greater understanding of the dedication their employees have to the Reserve mission and what it takes to be a member of the 934th AW.  This knowledge makes it easier for employers to understand when their employee needs time off to perform extra duty days at the Wing or go on an extended deployement. 
Dr. Y. Ralph Chu, Owner of Chu Vision Center and employer of Senior Airman Jennifer Groninger, 934th Aeromedical Staging Squadron said, "This was a fantastic experience to see the things theses Reservists do on the drill weekends.  I'm going to put a picture of the 934th C-130 on display in my office lobby where everyone can see it."

Employers Day is an annual event for the 934th Airlift Wing held Saturday of the August UTA.  For more information, contact the 934 AW Public Affairs office.