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Recruiting the future

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jared Duhon
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The United States military uses recruiting to help add talented people in-to their respective services.

Air Force recruiters use large events to promote their mission.

May 31 through June 2 NASCAR hosted its race weekend at Dover International Speedway in Dover, Del. The 314th Recruiting Squadron used the event as an opportunity to communicate the Air Force message.

"There will always be a need for recruiting," said Senior Master Sgt. Robert Shafer, 314th Recruiting Squadron recruiter. "And, there is not a shortage of events. Events such as this are great for recruiting because of the volume of people. The appearance of Hanger 43 also helps out."

Hanger 43 is provided by the Air Force Racing team and is a blow up tent accompanied by a Mini-F-22 Raptor and an official Air Force NASCAR race car.

"Our mission out here is to support the recruiter mission and everything these recruiters do out here," said Shannon Boswell, Air Force racing promotion team. "That is the primary function of why we bring out the car."

The Air Force Racing team is a part of Richard Petty Motorsports.

To some, the relationship between Richard Petty Motorsports and the U.S. Air Force is a natural partnership. Just as "The King" inspired legions of fans through his winning tradition and commitment to community, the Air Force's core values are integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all they do. This partnership not only shares the creed of speed, but it provides an opportunity to inspire young Americans to consider service in the Air Force as a rewarding career choice.

Sponsoring a car in NASCAR helps spread the Air Force's message to the younger generation.

"The recruiter after next is an important program we have to inform a younger generation that's not yet able to join of the benefits and opportunities," said Shafer. "The hope of the program is to assist future recruiters."

Not only is the AF Racing team helping recruit Airmen, but the Civic Air Patrol also made an appearance.

"We are supporting the United States Air Force since we are the office auxiliary of the Air Force," said 2nd Lt. Scott Tuson, Delaware Wing Civil Air Patrol. "We are here assisting them with their recruiting booth, bringing in people and informing them of the Air Forces mission and the mission of the Civil Air Patrol."

Approximately 24 delayed entry program members took the oath of enlistment Sunday.

"The Air Force is near and dear to my heart," said Aric Almirola, Air Force sponsored NASCAR driver. "Members commit their lives to our military and join the best Air Force in the world."