SOUTH BURLINGTON, Vt. -
A number of Vermont economic leaders took an unusual business trip Thursday.
Walking through the rain and wind they boarded an army black hawk helicopter.
The destination was supposed to be Fort Drum, but the weather only allowed for a short trip over the National Guard base in South Burlington.
Military leaders say this was a way to thank business owners.
"Cause let's face it the employers have sacrificed to allow their members to be in the guard," said Major General Michael Dubie.
Besides the flight, owners got to learn about equipment, military training and even got to taste the food soldiers live off of when deployed.
"To come out here and actually see what they do on their weekends and their two weeks and deployment was a great time," said Shelburne Plastics manager Kristin Robillard.
It also gave people a chance to ask questions to the head of the guard.
In a couple weeks Dubie will be leaving.
In his six years as head of the guard, the base has gone from 80% capacity to nearly 100.
That means more employees available for jobs off the base.
Thursday, employers expressed concern over those jobs.
In the past, Dubie has said, if the base doesn't get the louder F-35 fighter jet, the guard will be reduced.
To qualm their fears, Dubie introduced them to the man taking over and shared his plans to keep the guard alive for many years to come.
An experience that some say was exactly what they needed to hear.
"It seems like General Dubie has left it in good hands," said Robillard.
Dubie isn't leaving the military.
He's been promoted to lieutenant general and will be stationed in Colorado next month.
He'll be responsible for protecting the U.S., as well as Canada, Mexico and international waters.
