CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The 145th Airlift Wing hosted an Employer Support for the Guard and Reserve, Boss Appreciation Day, to show civilian employers what their employees do while on orders with the North Carolina Air National Guard. The event was hosted at the Charlotte Air National Guard Base, Charlotte, N.C., Aug. 21, 2026.
The event consisted of an introduction to key leaders throughout the Wing and ESGR representatives, an overview of flight equipment and a tour of a C-17 Globemaster III, for the employers.
“This event is to introduce our civilian employers to the military and what we have to do out here as guardsmen and give them a behind-the-scenes look at our mission,” said U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Nicholas Tomlin, 145th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron commander. “Their support impacts our ability to do our nation's business. They get to see both sides and hopefully connect us as a civilian to our military career.”
Anthony Davis, Yadkin County Schools superintendent, expressed his compassion for Tomlin who works in his school system and what he experiences when deployed. He goes on to state how he and his staff will be there for him because they know how crucial their support is.
Seeing what Airmen do during drill shows employers how important their support is to the overall mission. “The ANG provides 100 percent of the Air Force's continental United States-based air defense interceptor force,” according to the Air National Guard Fact Sheet.
Boss Appreciation Day enables the 145th to help employers better understand the importance of their role in supporting their employees in the ANG, and ultimately a crucial part of the United States Air Force.