Bosslift recognizes Montana employers
Sailboat enthusiasts enjoying the calm waters of Flathead Lake in Montana last week were a little startled to have a pair of UH-60 Black Hawks and a CH-47 Chinook come thumping down the lake and drop down between the snow dusted peaks of the majestic Mission Mountains. Montana Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) capped off National ESGR week, September 19-25, with an employer BOSSLIFT out of Kalispell Montana. A BOSSLIFT allows employers an opportunity to learn what their National Guard and Reserve members do on a drill weekend…including training in a Black Hawk or Chinook helicopter.
A highlight of the day included the presentation of a Freedom Award nominee with a commemorative plaque. Manager Bill Nelson of the Flathead Job Service gladly accepted the award which is given by the Secretary of Defense in recognition of outstanding support for Guard and Reserve employees.
Nominations for the Freedom award must come from a Guard or Reserve member who is employed by the organization they are nominating, or from a family member. Flathead Job Services was nominated by Major Mary Graham, an employment specialist with the Joint Forces Headquarters. Highlights of the nomination read:
“The State of Montana has worked closely with the Department of Military Affairs to ensure that service members are taken care of. They have also supported the efforts of the Officer’s and Enlisted Associations in efforts to increase benefits for service members. Senior leadership in the organization publicly encourages patriotic support of the Armed Forces and encourages other employers to do the same.”
Businessman Brian Kaufman of Kaufmans Menswear of Great Falls, Montana accepted the second award for the day, a Patriot Award. The award was given in recognition of extraordinary support for his employee, Airman First Class Taran Dixon of the 120th Fighter Wing who serves in the Montana National Guard and Reserve.
Dixon wrote in the nomination:
“Brian Kaufmann is an important part in my life and my new career in the Montana Air National Guard. He has helped support all my choices that I have made in my life. The main reason he deserves higher recognition is he is a major asset to the community.”
The Kaufmanns, along with 50 other employers also participated in an arms fire simulation with Commander Lieutenant Colonel Richard Kostecki and members of the 495th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion at the Kalispell Armed Services Reserve Center.
As the 1.1 million members of the National Guard and Reserve continue to perform an increasing number of unique missions with America’s borders and beyond, ESGR will continue to be the resource for the employers of citizen warriors. ESGR advocates relevant initiatives, recognizes outstanding support, increases awareness of applicable laws, and resolves conflict between employers and service members. More information about ESGR Employer Outreach Programs and volunteer opportunities is available at www.esgr.mil, or by calling Mike Flaherty, Montana ESGR Chairman in Great Falls at 406-799-6130.