Mass enlistment ceremony shows diversity of Air Force Reserve

  • Published
  • By Jake Shaw
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD ARB, FLA --  Air Force Reserve recruiters held a mass enlistment ceremony here Oct. 5.

The ceremony kicked off the new recruiting year for Air Force Reserve Command's 482nd Fighter Wing. It was part of a nationwide effort in October to boost recruiting throughout the command.

Last year the wing recruiters achieved 124 percent of their goal and played a key role in the command exceeding its goal for the sixth year in a row.

For most in the crowd, the ceremony gave a sense of pride, but for the recruiters it was all about motivation.

"The mass enlistment ceremony is a great way to jump-start our recruiting year on a positive note," said Senior Master Sgt. Alex Vazquez, senior recruiter for the 482nd FW.

His wing commander, Col. Randy Falcon, swore six people in to the Air Force Reserve.

Several local civic leaders and elected officials attended the ceremony, which showed the diversity of the Air Force Reserve and the various reasons people join.

City of Homestead Councilwoman Amanda Garner said it was an honor to attend the ceremony and to see so many fresh, new faces joining the Air Force Reserve.

Among those signing up were a 30-something, prior-service Air Force captain who wants to get back into the military and work toward his retirement, a recent high school graduate who wants to take advantage of the educational benefits and others who are interested in travel and service on flexible terms.

For most of the enlistees, family members played a big part in their decision to join the Air Force Reserve. But one enlistee felt especially motivated.

"My family came here from Cuba, so I really appreciate the freedoms we have here in America. This is my way of serving the country that gave my family freedom," said Jennifer Kidson, who plans to become a medical technician.

The father of another enlistee was excited to see his son take the oath of enlistment.

"I was in the Air Force and I would do it all over again if I had the chance. I want my son to see the world and experience something different," said Eli Brandon, whose 18-year-old son, Adriel, plans to work in the aircraft maintenance field and use the GI Bill to pursue educational goals in the music field.

With the mass enlistment ceremony completed, the recruiters for the 482nd FW are on their way to reaching their annual goal again. This year's goal is tentatively set at 116 enlistments for the team from Homestead.