SEPTEMBER 1, 2026 — More than 40 employers from across Kentucky traded conference rooms for military training grounds at Fort Knox during the Kentucky Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve Boss Lift event, June 12, 2026, where participants gained a firsthand look at the skills their Guard and Reserve employees bring to both military service and the civilian workforce.
The event was hosted by the Kentucky National Guard’s 38th Infantry Division Artillery (DIVARTY) and focused on field artillery training and operations.
During the visit to Fort Knox, participants witnessed advanced U.S. Army field artillery equipment in action up close and during a live demonstration.
In addition to getting a firsthand look at field artillery capabilities on the ground, visitors joined Kentucky Army National Guard aviators for a bird’s-eye view of the training site during an orientation flight aboard a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter.
The Kentucky National Guard coordinates with ESGR to host multiple Boss Lifts throughout the year. Army Aviation units typically provide support with helicopter orientation flights, while the Kentucky Air National Guard’s 123rd Airlift Wing supports the mission with C-130 Hercules flights. The Boss Lift is designed to strengthen employers’ understanding of the value Guard and Reserve Service members bring to their organizations by demonstrating the leadership, teamwork, accountability, organization and technical skills they develop through military service.
“These activities demonstrate the practical reasons employers should want to hire Guardsmen and Reservists,” said Steve Kirkman, Kentucky ESGR Boss Lift coordinator. “It also emphasizes how important their military commitment is to the defense of the country, and they learn how the Guard and Reserve fit in with the regular full-time military forces.”
For many participants, the event offers their first opportunity to see the military mission up close, bridging the gap between civilian workplaces and military service.
U.S. Army Capt. Joe Miller, operations officer for the Army Aviation Support Facility, highlighted the value of the aerial demonstration.
“The orientation flight serves as a live-action demonstration of modern tactical aviation capabilities, showcasing both the hardware and crew synchronization,” said Miller. “The flights showcase the lift capacity, speed and operational range of the helicopter and the precision timing required to arrive at designated coordinates exactly when needed.”
Beyond showcasing military training, the event reinforces ESGR’s mission to foster supportive relationships between civilian employers and Service members.
“From an ESGR perspective, we want to create advocates for the Guard and Reserve among employers and civic leaders and create better job opportunities for Guardsmen and Reservists,” Kirkman said.
Events like the Boss Lift demonstrate that the Kentucky National Guard is a community-based force — living, working, and serving in communities across the commonwealth. Building strong relationships and shared understanding with employers through ESGR ensures Kentucky Guardsmen have the support and stability they need to focus on serving the commonwealth at home, and the nation abroad.
Story by Milt Spalding
Kentucky National Guard Public Affairs Office