Tyndall NCOA
class helps recruiting effort
Released: 25 Oct 1999
by Staff Sgt. Mona Ferrell
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFPN) -- A
group of Noncommissioned Officer Academy students took
recruiting to the baseball field Oct. 23, 'pitching' the Air
Force image during the local Third Annual Fall Classic
Baseball Tournament.
Targeting eight- to 18-year-old players in
the tournament, students in NCOA class 99-7 Sabre Flight
handed out Air Force bumper stickers, key chains and
pamphlets in an effort to help recruiting and reinforce a
positive Air Force image within the community.
"Recruiting shouldn't just be left up
to the recruiters," said Tech. Sgt. Tom Lyons, an NCOA
student from Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. "It's
everyone's responsibility. This is the first time in Air
Force history that we (the Air Force) didn't meet our
recruiting goal. The 'reblueing' process that brought us all
together in this class has given us a new sense of teamwork
and enhanced our commitment to the Air Force. We decided to
use our class project as a recruiting tool."
Along with passing out material, the NCOA
students also shared valuable Air Force experiences.
"We all come from various bases and
work in a variety of different jobs," said Tech. Sgt.
Kai Kesinger, another student from Offutt. "Together,
we have a tremendous pool of knowledge about the Air Force
and its mission. It's important that we take our experiences
and share them with the young people in the community."
The NCOA students said their Air Force
experiences were well received.
"We've had great feedback from
everyone we've talked to," Lyons said. "They're
all interested in our uniforms, and the different jobs
available in the Air Force. Although some of the kids we're
talking to may not be old enough to join (the Air Force)
now, we're making a positive impact that they can reflect
back on later."
While all NCOA graduates are required to
complete a class project, this particular one is different.
"Most class projects are geared
toward helping the local community," said Tech. Sgt.
Carol Robertson, Tyndall NCOA instructor. "This is
unique -- this time we're helping our Air Force
family."
In addition to inspiring young kids and
reinforcing the Air Force image, the project is also setting
the precedent for others to follow.
"Our class is starting the foundation
for future NCO Academy classes to build upon," said
Tech. Sgt. Johnny Cortez, a student from Eglin AFB, Fla.
"While it's always important to help the local
community, it's also important to promote the Air Force --
it's a responsibility we all share."
RELATED SITES
* Eglin
Air Force Base, Fla.
* Offutt Air Force
Base, Neb.
* Tyndall Air Force
Base, Fla.
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