Haile Gold Mine Executive General Manager David Londono was invited to ‘Boss Lift’, hosted by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) at McEntire Joint National Guard Base on Oct. 29.

David was joined by Haile Senior Advisor, Land and Community Relations, Joey Byrd, who represents ESGR as Area 5 Chair.

Dozens of civilian employers of service members participated in the event, which included various demonstrations and exercises led by the South Carolina National Guard 59th Aviation Troop Command. Attendees were able to experience the capabilities of various aircraft, including the AH-64 Apache helicopter and the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.

The group also enjoyed a ride in a Black Hawk.

The event gives civilian employers a first-hand look at what civilian military service men and women do when they are away for weekends or extended deployment.

ESGR is a Department of Defense organization developed to assist in promoting cooperation and understanding between military service people and their civilian employers to resolve any conflicts related to employment and the service person’s military obligations.