This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in a "Boss Lift" event—a full-day program designed by the Department of Defense’s Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). The experience was held in support of our very own 8th Grade Social Studies Teacher, Mr. Michael Callahan, who serves as a Second Lieutenant in the Illinois Army National Guard.
The all-day event on Thursday, June 19, 2025, was a profound look behind the scenes of military readiness. The day began with a briefing and a military flight that transported numerous employers from Peoria, IL, to Fort McCoy, Wisconsin, a premiere training center for all branches of the armed forces. The goal of the Boss Lift is to give civilian employers a firsthand look at the rigorous training and dedication of their National Guard and Reserve employees, bridging the gap between their civilian job and their commitment to national security.
Mr. Callahan’s Leadership in Action
Witnessing Mr. Callahan in his role as a commissioned officer was truly eye-opening. As a Second Lieutenant (2LT), his duties extend far beyond technical skills; they are primarily focused on leadership, planning, and accountability.
During our visit to the training site at Fort McCoy, Mr. Callahan was directly in charge of the grenade range. As he explained, his role was threefold: overseeing all technical functions, systems, and protocols of the range, while also holding complete responsibility for the safety and well-being of every single Soldier training there. This level of comprehensive leadership is what our students benefit from every day in his classroom.
A Deeper Appreciation for Service
The Boss Lift allowed me and other employers to understand the immense scope of training our citizen-soldiers undertake. Fort McCoy is a massive installation dedicated to strengthening Total Force Readiness, and seeing its operation reinforced my admiration for our military personnel.
If someone asked me for my biggest reflection or takeaway from the day, I would say it was an overwhelming sense of pride to be an American. I was genuinely in awe of the large-scale preparedness and strategic dedication of our military in case of an emergency. Mr. Callahan is an integral part of that effort, bringing the values of discipline, planning, and responsibility from his military service directly into our school community.
We are tremendously thankful to all those who serve and have served, and we are especially proud to have a dedicated teacher like Mr. Callahan on the PBL Junior High staff, serving our school and our nation.
Chronicling the Day
To share this incredible experience, I created a photo album and video log of the Boss Lift event: Boss Lift - Army National Guard - June 19, 2025
Here is also a link to news clip from the experience: 25 News - Boss Lift provides deeper appreciation for National Guard members