Recruiters exceed 2007 goal, ahead of game for 2008

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Stephen Bailey
  • 301st Fighter Wing
Fort Worth, TEXAS --  The 301st Fighter Wing recruiting office made a huge impact in fiscal year 2007 by accomplishing 116 percent of its yearly goal by enlisting 206 new recruits into the Air Force Reserve. 

"Our recruiting efforts for 2007 were awesome and we have already made huge strides this fiscal year," said Senior Master Sergeant Scott Terpening, 301st FW recruiting service. "Our recruiters are some of the best within the Air Force Reserve Command - they do an amazing job promoting the Air Force Reserve." 

And the response has been favorable. Here in Texas, the response for recruiter visits is very high, especially at the high schools. "We have overwhelmingly positive responses because we live in a very patriotic area [whose community] wants to do everything they can to show their support for the military and for the mission we accomplish. We normally receive a warm welcome wherever we go to advertise our programs. However, up in the northern states it can be extremely difficult promoting the military message," said Senior Master Sergeant Richard Roneree, 301st FW senior recruiter. 

But it's more than a message the recruiters are sharing. Recently, during the 301st FW annual picnic, several new recruits were invited to meet wing personnel and to be welcomed into the 301st FW family. "We do more than just sign people up," Sergeant Roneree said. "We are in the business of welcoming our new recruits into a great life that involves developing strong relationship as well. We take the time to build a friendship that goes on even after they leave for basic training." 

Along with the yearly goal accomplishment, the wing's recruiting service also fostered several awards and personal accomplishments for its six recruiters. The section's top recruiter for 2007 is newly promoted Master Sergeant Jesse Garcia. So far in fiscal year 2008, according to officials, he has already signed up nine recruits for October alone. 

"Right now our recruiting staff is working with a high morale based on last year's successes," said Sergeant Roneree. "We have a goal of 10 recruits per month which is 10 percent of our goal. We accomplished 13 percent for October. This means we are ahead of the game and are building momentum to have an even greater 2008." 

But with every great program comes the opportunity for additional growth and incentives. Currently, the Air Force Recruiting Service is looking to add to its numbers. "This year especially, we are pushing recruiter applications so others can be a part of a fantastic group of men and women that are making a difference for our military," Arlington, Texas, recruiter Sergeant Terpening said. "For me, my best time so far in the military has been as a recruiter." 

And as for recruiter incentives, there's the Get 1 Now program. This is a new program allowing reservists to quickly and easily refer people who may be interested in the Air Force Reserve. Last year's top Get 1 Now performer was Staff Sergeant Ed Hartman who received several awards for his accomplishments as well as an F-16 incentive ride. "The Get 1 Now recruiting program was fun and easy - I am so excited about the Air Force Reserve and when you're excited about something, it's easy to tell people," Sergeant Hartman said. 

According to Sergeant Roneree, the Get 1 Now program is being redeveloped so it will be even easier to refer people. "We are working to engage the units by creating a buzz so people will work as a team to help introduce more people into the Air Force Reserve."
"The Air Force Recruiting Service goal this year is 8,000," said Master Sergeant Jason Tudor, Public Affairs NCO Air Force Reserve Recruiting Service, "so we are doing our best to get the word out so everyone can see what a great job Air Force Reserve recruiters are doing in helping to bring in great people for tomorrow's mission." 

"We have done well in the past year, but believe me it's more than just our office doing the work to increase our military strength," Sergeant Roneree said. "Our wing administrative services work with us from day one when we receive a new recruit. But it's our wing commander [Col. Kevin Pottinger, 301st FW commander] who has helped us gain a greater vision for the future. He has a heart for recruiting and it has shown. 

Our future successes will not be based solely on one recruiting service, but rather the whole 301st FW working together to get the job done."