McChord AFB and Fort Lewis, WA
June 16-18, 2004
More than 30 Maryland employers joined a handful of MD ESGR Committee members on the annual three-day bosslift, June 16-18, 2004, to the Seattle-Tacoma area in Washington State. The purpose of bosslifts is to let employers see first-hand what Reservists and Guardsmen do when they are called away from their jobs for a military assignment. The bosslift is primarily funded by the National ESGR Committee, and airlift support comes from Reserve and Air Guard units.

The group left Andrews Air Force Base after watching Air Force One take off, and arrived at McChord AFB in Washington to begin their visits to military installations. First stop was a ship-board excursion at the Tacoma waterfront, where an awesome Mt. Rainier welcomed them. Also featured was a visit to a Coast Guard station and an afternoon at Ft. Lewis, where the employers observed the activities of an Army ROTC program and attended a regimental commissioning exercise.

One of the highlights of the trip was a visit to the 446th Air Force Reserve area, where they were briefed and toured C-141 and C-17 aircraft. During their stay, the Marylanders were billeted at McChord AFB.

The bosslift committee is chaired by George Doetsch, who, with the help of an employee of his, Lisa Macek, coordinates and manages the logistics and itineraries of these annual trips.