ARLINGTON, Va. - A long tradition of "Entertainment for theSoldier, by the Soldier" is getting a new lift, not a face lift, but a "Boss Lift."
Historically, boss lifts were opportunities for National Guard and Reserve members to invite their civilian employers to spend time at their military duty location to experiencing what it's like to be a Soldier.
A typical boss lift included a ride in a military vehicle or aircraft, a visit to a shooting range or maybe even a visit to a military museum.
What is not typical for a boss lift is for a Soldier to invite their civilian employer to attend a professional Broadway type of military show - for free.
But that has changed. The 2009 U.S. Army Soldier Show commences this month with their national tour, and members of the Guard and Reserve are encouraged to attend the show and bring their civilian employer.
This unusual boss lift opportunity is part of the military and employer outreach efforts of Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR).
A Department of Defense organization, ESGR encourages military members to look for and create "win-win situations" with their employers. Doing so can make things a lot easier for the Reserve Component members when they need their employer's understanding due to a mobilization.
"Guard and Reserve members should consider their employers as strategic partners who support their efforts to serve our nation" said Navy Capt. Ted Fessel, director of National Operations and Plans for the National Committee for Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (NCESGR). "The show is exciting and patriotic and is a great way to educate employers about the military culture."
For years, ESGR has sponsored boss lifts. After attending, most employers say they understand the military better than they used to. More importantly, many feel like they too are members of the team that supports our nation.
Having your employer feel like a team mate can go a long way when you want to volunteer for a mobilization or are called up for the second, third, or fourth time.
The Army Soldier Show was established during World War I by Sgt. Israel Berlin, soon to become better known as composer, Irving Berlin. He conceived and directed the very first Army Show - "Yip, Yip, Yaphank" - on Broadway in 1918.
Berlin went on to re-invent, write, direct and produce a Broadway version of the Soldier Show during World War II, under the title, "This is the Army." The 1943 film version of this production featured cast members Ronald Reagan, Joe Lewis and Gene Kelly.
The Soldier Show is a high energy musical revue with a cast composed entirely of Army personnel from the active duty, Army Reserve and Army National Guard. The cast is under the direction of a team of entertainment professionals, many with years of experience on Broadway.
The show tours the United States from May 1 through mid November. All shows are free and open to the public. Members of the National Guard and Reserve are encouraged to attend with their families, with their military units, and of course with your civilian employer.
For additional information or to view the Soldier Show tour schedule, visit Army Entertainment at: http://new.armymwr.com/recleisure/entertainment/soldiershow/tour_schedule.aspx