On June 21, 2005, the Maryland ESGR Committee held a one-day Bosslift mission to Ft. Bragg, taking 72 employers to see first hand their employees training for deployment to Iraq.

The day began with the employers and a television crew from WJZ-TV Channel 13 Baltimore arriving at Martin Airport at 7 am.  The guests assembled in the base dining hall and were provided a continental breakfast.  Following breakfast, the group received a welcome briefing from Col. Dave Mansfield, the 175th Wing Commander.  They also heard Brig. Gen. Ed Leacock, Assistant Adjutant General for the Maryland Army National Guard, give an overview of the day's planned events.  Next the group got an aircraft safety briefing and went through military aircraft security processing (similar to civilian airport screening) and boarded the aircraft.   The group flew to Pope Air Force Base in North Carolina on a C-130J from the 135th Airlift Squadron, Maryland Air National Guard.  After landing at Pope, the group took a 30 minute bus ride to Ft. Bragg. 

Upon arrival at Ft. Bragg, the group was met by Col. John Russo of the Maryland Army National Guard.  Col. Russo briefed the employers on the training site and simulated desert city.  Members of the 115th and 175 Light Infantry, Maryland Army National Guard, were in training for deployment to Iraq and other areas.  While at Ft. Bragg, the soldiers received intensive training in several mock towns, designed to simulate the environment in Iraq.  The training areas are void of trees and vegetation--mostly sand, dirt and dust.  The employers were allowed to walk the overhead observation areas to view their employees practicing gaining entrance to various buildings and how to handle hostile situations.  The employers also got the chance to don the helmets and protective vests that the soldiers wear to protect themselves and some were even given an opportunity to ride in Humvees and sit in fighting positions. The employers were given a box lunch which they ate in the field with the soldiers.

 The return flight to Baltimore was on time and the group completed their mission at 4:30 pm.