Bosslift gives thanks to supportive employers of military personnel in the Guard and Reserve

By: Ann Keyes
Unit Public Affairs Representative





FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. - Peering through the site of an "Mk 19" grenade launcher, Corky Marquart let loose with a barrage of fire. With a huge grin on her face, Marquart, of St. Joseph, hit the target on the large screen some 30 feet in front of her. Sure, her attempt at the Army Soldier task was simulated, but it gave her a taste of military life.

"It surprised me how difficult it was; it was hard physically but you also had to think about it," Marquart said. "I was apprehensive at first, but I'm glad I did it."

Marquart, executive vice-president of Commerce Bank in St Joseph, and Vicki Gates, also at Commerce, were two of 19 employers touring Fort Leonard Wood recently. The Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, a defense department agency that seeks to foster good communications and working relationships between Guard and Reserve members and their civilian employers, hosted the group.

While on the military post, the employers toured top-notch facilities, watched a basic training graduation ceremony, observed A-10 Thunderbolt aircraft on bombing runs and enjoyed a banquet dinner. The group, largely from the St. Louis area, flew to and from Fort Leonard Wood in a C-130 Hercules.

The employers' excursion is known as an ESGR Bosslift, a program designed to introduce employers to the military lives of their employees. Each participant received the Patriot Award previously, having been nominated by Guard or Reserve employees for being especially accommodating to military personnel who attend weekend drills, annual training and various military schools.

Staff Sgt. Rob Payeur, a Missouri Air Guard member with the 139th Airlift Wing in St. Joseph nominated both Marquart and Gates.

"I nominated them based on their support from (employment) interviews up through training," said Payeur. "About eight months into (bank) training I was required to go away for six weeks to an Airman Leadership School. For the first time in my military career I was greeted with interest instead of disappointment."

While most on the Bosslift were nominated and given Patriot Awards for being supportive employers, Liz Robbins, chief executive officer of Beauty World of St. Louis, came aboard for her efforts at providing an extra special Christmas for 33 military families.

Beauty World employees sold ornaments to raise money for the event, but nearly all of the money spent on the party came from the company - to the tune of $12,000. Beauty World rented a banquet hall, provided a holiday meal and a Deejay, organized a free raffle, and provided each family with gifts.

"It was absolutely incredible," said Lt. Dori Mulder of the Missouri National Guard's 1035th Maintenance Support Company, headquartered at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis. "The ladies at Beauty World definitely went above and beyond."

Robbins received a framed Seven Seals award for her military support. She plans to rotate the award from one Beauty World salon to another so that customers can see the results of donations.

Robbins admits her holiday party "went a little over budget," but plans to do it again this year.

"It makes you feel good when you can give back to people who give so much," she said.

It's that kind of attitude ESGR looks for when giving awards, said Missouri ESGR state chair retired Brig. Gen. Tracy Beckett.

"We all serve," Beckett said in giving thanks to employers. "It's not just Soldiers serving but all of you."

Payeur has nominated St. Joseph's Commerce Bank for a national Freedom Award, he said, an award given nationwide to only 15 employers.

"All the core values I learned in the Army and Air Force fit in well with how this company operates: Loyalty, Duty, Respect, Self-less Service, Honor, Integrity, Personal Courage and of course, Excellence in All We Do. If you follow those values you will succeed in the military, in life and at Commerce Bank."



Posted: 4/21/2010 3:06:10 PM