More than 50 civilian employers were recently invited to join their employees for a Boss Lift event hosted by the Virginia National Guard’s 2nd Battalion, 224th Aviation Regiment. The event took place at the Army Aviation Support Facility near Richmond International Airport in Sandston, Virginia on June 15, 2024. The employers were given the opportunity to experience firsthand what their employees go through while on military duty, including orientation flights on UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters and static displays of various equipment and weapon systems.
The event marked the end of a two-week annual training period for the Soldiers of the 2-224th, during which they flew over 192 hours, surpassing expectations. Lt. Col. Ryan Strait, the battalion commander, commended his Soldiers for their hard work and emphasized the importance of employer support in enabling their success. Col. Paul Gravely, the Virginia Army National Guard’s chief of staff, also addressed the crowd and expressed gratitude for the employers’ patriotism and support.
The event was held in partnership with Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR), a Department of Defense program that promotes cooperation between reservists and their civilian employers. ESGR advocates for the rights of military members in the workforce and provides support to their employers.
Overall, the Boss Lift event was a chance for employers to show their appreciation for the dedication and professionalism of their National Guard employees, while also gaining a better understanding of their military service and experiences.
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Photo credit va.ng.mil