County National Guard unit gives employers a lift

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PRESQUE ISLE (06/07/2021) (readMedia)-- Several employers and supervisors were present on June 5 as the 185th Engineer Support Company hosted a "boss lift" supported by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) program and the Maine Army National Guard's Army Aviation Support Facility (AASF).

Despite the name, the event was not limited to only a helicopter ride. In addition to viewing the northern Maine woods from a UH-60 Black Hawk, employers had the opportunity to meet unit and state level Maine Army National Guard leadership, take part in a virtual weapons training simulation, view equipment and training demonstrations, and tour the brand new Northern Maine Readiness Center (NMRC). The 185th is in the early stages of occupying the new headquarters building which began construction in 2018.

"We felt that as we developed the plan, the more we could show the employers, the better it would be," said Capt. Evan Richards, commander of the 185th. "Then when they leave, it will have a lasting effect. So when I say 'I'm leaving for drill,' they have an idea in their head - so they can actually visualize it."

Richards said that displays and demonstrations from all military occupational specialties at his unit were represented at the event to include carpenter/masons, electricians, plumbers, heavy equipment operators, maintenance and communications specialists.

"Today I'd like to send a special shout-out in appreciation to the support network uniquely important to all of us in the Guard – America's civilian employers," said Brig. Gen. Dean Preston, Maine's land component commander, in his remarks to the attendees. "On behalf of the entire country, and the men and women of the Department of Defense, and the Maine Army National Guard, I thank you all. Today, more than ever, the commitment you've shown to our country, and those who serve our country, is indispensable."

"We work for the employer as well as for the service member. It's really a liaison position," said Dennis Wellman, committee chair for Maine's ESGR program. "And one of the things we really like to do in ESGR is to help sponsor events."

The ESGR is a Department of Defense program that develops and promotes supportive work environments for service members in the reserve components through outreach, recognition, and educational opportunities.

"Today was a great day, it was my first exposure to the one-eight-five," said Ghent Holdsworth, a branch manager for Farm Credit East in Presque Isle. "It was a really eye-opening experience...we really enjoy knowing that a member of our team is helping to protect our country in various facets."

The 185th is currently based out of Caribou and Houlton and traces its lineage back to May of 1922. While now an engineer unit, the company proudly retains the nickname "County Thunder," a reference to their field artillery heritage through 1st Battalion, 152nd Field Artillery Regiment. The unit is planning a public ceremony to officially open the Presque Isle facility in September.

A video version of this story may be viewed and downloaded at:

https://www.dvidshub.net/video/800111/maine-national-guard-gives-employers-lift

Additional imagery may be viewed and downloaded at:

https://www.dvidshub.net/image/6680002/maine-national-guard-gives-employers-lift

Captions:

008: Local employers receive some hands on interaction with the equipment used by the 185th Engineer Support Company June 5, 2021, in Presque Isle, Maine during their "boss lift" event. In addition to a flight on a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, employers had the opportunity to meet unit and state level leaders, take part in a virtual weapons training simulation, view unit training demonstrations, and tour the new Northern Maine Readiness Center. The 185th is in the early stages of occupying the new headquarters building which began construction in 2018. Maine National Guard photo by Sgt. Darin Douin / Released

005:Employers pause for a photo prior to boarding a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter as part of the 185th Engineer Support Company's boss lift event June 5, 2021, in Presque Isle. In addition to the flight, employers had the opportunity to meet unit and state level leaders, take part in a virtual weapons training simulation, view unit training demonstrations, and tour the new Northern Maine Readiness Center. The 185th is in the early stages of occupying the new headquarters building which began construction in 2018. Maine National Guard photo by Sgt. Darin Douin / Released