Recruiters strive to ensure solid new generation of blue suiters

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle
  • 459th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. --  The 29th Olympiad began in Beijing, China, on Aug. 8, 2008, because many of the nation's citizens believe the number eight to be lucky. The Team Andrews Recruiter Squadron here can apparently attribute their success in fiscal year 2008, as well as the last eight years, much more to team work than luck, however. 

The nine-member team strives to continually recruit a new generation of Airmen, and as such, has exceeded the fiscal year goal. 

"We continue to provide quality Airmen so that we can sustain air power and dominance anytime and anywhere globally and in space," said Master Sgt. Jessie Boyer, 459th Recruiting Service. "We do this by recruiting the right people for the right jobs at the right time that are needed by Air Force Reserve Command." 

Sergeant Boyer said high school visits and attendance of year-round events and job fairs yield a boon of potential new recruits. Master Sgt. Jeanette Masters, 459th ARW RS physician recruiter agrees, but added that anyone in a variety of situations can recruit. 

"We're seeking people in medical specialty fields that we can bring to the 459th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron and the 459th Aeromedical Staging Squadron," Sergeant Masters said. "But pretty much everyone at the wing goes to doctors or nurses who may be great candidates for the Air Force Reserve." 

Sergeant Boyer said the team's main focus is on keeping the wing capable of conducting and completing its mission. 

The recruiters have noted the wing can use help in career fields ranging from civil engineer squadron and other mission support specialties to aircraft maintenance and mechanics. Applicants can also visit other recruiting locations in Springfield, Va., Richmond, Va., Fort Meade, Md., and Bolling Air Force Base, DC. 

The team hopes people seeking an Air Force Reserve career or cross-training opportunities will find the recruiting service here to be "one-stop shopping" for health professions, officer accession and enlisted accession. 

"We stand by ready to help jump start Air Force Reserve careers in a variety of career fields," Sergeant Boyer said. 

Beyond statistics and goals, Sergeant Boyer shared a more philosophical motivation for the 459th RS's success. 

"Anyone who wears a blue uniform represents something bigger than themselves," Sergeant Boyer said. "It is our duty to ensure that we continue the time-honored tradition of making sure we leave the Air Force a better place for the newer generation of Airmen to follow."

The recruiters here have also expressed gratitude to wing members for their support and year-round efforts in helping the team meet its recruiting goals.