BIDDLE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, Pa. -- The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) in Pennsylvania recognized civilian employers during a Bosslift event held on Biddle Air National Guard Base in Horsham, Pennsylvania June 25, 2025.
This annual event acknowledges outstanding civilian employers and their exceptional support of Airmen who work for their companies. Only with their support are Airmen able to successfully manage their careers both in and out of uniform.
“The military personnel training is so much deeper than somebody just off the street,” said Michael Attiani of Cushman & Wakefield. “The responsibility, can-do attitude and leadership skills of servicemembers all benefits us as employers. But employing them is also a way to give thanks. The military staff are dedicating so much of their lives and putting them on the line. The least we can do is try to give them opportunities and help them develop.”
Visiting employers from several different companies had an opportunity to hear about the several career fields available on base, view weapons and Chemical, Biological Radiological, Nuclear and high yield Explosives (CBRNE) displays, go up on a bucket lift, experience the MQ-9 simulator. And most exciting, they got to take a ride over Philadelphia in a CH-47 Chinook.
“I had a wonderful day with the 111th Attack Wing learning about the mission they do here and the community that has been built around this base,” said Allison Beckman from Rebel Beverage Labs. “The Chinook flight was phenomenal. We got to fly over my house and the stadiums which was really cool.”
The ESGR Bosslift not only shows gratitude for employers’ support of Airmen but allows for employers to get a better idea of what their employees obligations are to the military and the importance of their participation in ensuring their readiness. In addition, Airmen are able to show appreciation for their employers’ support.
“It was heartwarming to see them not only enjoying the experience but gaining an insight that not a lot of people get” said Master Sgt. Alison Hugg, 111ATKW Operations Group commander’s support staff noncommissioned officer in charge. “Making them feel special and incentivizing them to employ military members is important. It was a complete blessing to show them what the Air National Guard capabilities are.”