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    Westover Boss Lift 2016

    CHICOPEE, MA, UNITED STATES

    09.15.2016

    Story by Master Sgt. W.C. Pope and Tech. Sgt. Stephen Winn

    439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

    article by TSgt. Amelia Leonard
    More than 50 civilian employers and volunteers from the Massachusetts Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve visited Westover on Sept. 15th for the annual Bosslift Employer Day.
    The employers had been personally nominated by their reservist employees and represented organizations, big and small, spanning all of New England.
    The day kicked off with complimentary coffee and donuts, provided by the Mass. ESGR, and a 20-minute mission briefing by Col. Jay D. Jensen, commander of the 439th Airlift Wing. The group was then split into two smaller groups and transported to the 439th Isochronal Inspection Bay and 439th Security Forces Squadron headquarters for a closer look into what some of our reservists do on a daily basis at Westover.
    In the inspection bay, Lt. Col. Jordan Murphy, commander of the 439th Maintenance Squadron, gave employers a first-hand look at the inspection and repair process of a C-5 Galaxy. Employers were given the opportunity to tour the entire aircraft, and even take a selfie on the wing. Meanwhile, the other group of employers was given a hands-on training of the 439th SFS MILO Range Pro training system. The MILO is an interactive use-of-force and firearms training simulator with training scenarios, firearms drills and exercises.
    The simulator gives members the opportunity to use Beretta M-9 Pistols, gutted and rigged with lasers and interactive software. MSgt. Patrick Yarusso, 439th SFS, conducted the training and gave employers the opportunity to go head-to-head in several carnival-like shooting exercises.
    “It was awesome,” said Kristina Bosland, Director of UX eCommerce with Staples, Inc. “I got a better understanding of what our reservists do for our country,” she said.
    After swapping places, the two groups reconvened at the Westover control tower for a tour of the observation deck and catwalk, and met with four members from the Marine Air Support Squadron
    6 unit stationed at Westover. Employers were given the opportunity to handle several of their weapons, sit in a Humvee truck, and ask questions.
    “The view from there was incredible,” said Kevin Partridge, Chief of the Easton, Mass., Fire Department.
    After the tour of the tower, the group was shuttled to the Westover consolidated club for a complimentary lunch. During lunch, Earl Bonett, ESGR Chair for Mass., explained the importance of Citizen Airmen, and thanked the employers for their support.
    Although the tours of the ISO inspection bay, MILO simulator and control tower were unforgettable experiences, the best had yet to come. Following lunch, employers boarded a Westover C-5 for a two-hour local flight. Employers toured the aircraft mid-flight as they walked from the passenger seating area, through the cargo bay and into the flight deck and VIP seating of the aircraft.
    “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” said Richard Papeika, Vice President of Ulbrich Stainless Steels. “It was fantastic to see how competent and well-trained the aircrew is. I’m so proud of
    everything you all do,” he said.

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    NEWS INFO

    Date Taken: 09.15.2016
    Date Posted: 09.29.2016 14:39
    Story ID: 210940
    Location: CHICOPEE, MA, US

    Web Views: 47
    Downloads: 0

    PUBLIC DOMAIN