Reservist earns membership to 9-G club

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Gary Johnson
  • AFRC Recruiting Service Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  She selected Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., and an F-16 fighter pilot and jet of the 93rd Fighter Squadron helped make it happen on Jan. 22.

"The choice was easy," said Senior Airman Dawn Larrieu, one of two winners from last fiscal year's Get 1 Now recruiting program. "The F-16 is famous for its awesome maneuverability."

Airman Larrieu earned a leather jacket and a ride in the aircraft of her choice by providing five successful leads for new recruits to the Air Force Reserve through the Get 1 Now program.

The aerial porter with the 81st Aerial Port Squadron at Charleston Air Force Base, S.C., has been an Air Force reservist for about 18 months, but was previously a Navy reservist for two years.

"The career choices and the professionalism attracted me to the Air Force Reserve," she said.

Master Sgt. Joe Walker, her recruiter who is currently assigned to the Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., clearly remembers Airman Larrieu's passion.

"I explained the Get 1 Now program to her and it was like pouring gas onto a fire," Sergeant Walker said. "She would either come by my office or call me to relay information about a new prospect."

"He informed me of the Get 1 Now program and assisted me in setting up my account," Airman Larrieu said. "It's easy to extend my enthusiasm to others about the Air Force Reserve and encourage them to join. The training I receive is developing my potential as an Airman and complements my personal growth."

Her efforts to promote the Air Force Reserve to potential, future Airmen paid off as her pilot for incentive flight, Lt. Col. Mike "Frosty" Hohman, took the jet screaming into the sky, climbing vertically to 15,000 feet. Airman Larrieu enjoyed a ride over the Florida Keys and withstood a 9-G turn.

"I have never experienced anything like it," Airman Larrieu said. "The 9-Gs were a little painful but well worth it. I am thrilled to have had this opportunity."

The Get 1 Now program encourages Air Force reservists to refer family, friends and coworkers who may be interested in joining the Reserve to local recruiters. This allows Reserve members to refer people who could benefit as a member of the Air Force Reserve and potentially serve along someone they know. In FY06 the Air Force Reserve accessed 8,505 new Airmen, and the program was responsible for a large percentage of those new recruits. It's one of the most successful sources for Air Force Reserve recruiting.