Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Expo

Members of the 361st Recruiting Squadron Delayed Entry Program march out to the McChord Field flightline July 17 to participate in a DEP swear-in as part of the JBLM 2010 Air Expo opening festivities. Col. Kevin Kilb, 62nd Airlift Wing commander, administered the oath of enlistment to 201 future Airmen. (U.S. Air Force Photo/Abner Guzman)

McChord Field record breaking enlistment ceremony

Published July 19, 2010
By Amn Leah Young
62d Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Friends and family proudly watched as 201 young enlistees raised their right hand and were sworn into the United States Air Force during a record breaking ceremony at McChord Field July 17.

The previous enlistee record of 178 was broken in the ceremony taking before the start of the 2010 Joint Base Lewis-McChord Air Expo, and was led by Col. Kevin Kilb, 62d Airlift Wing Commander.

These high school graduates traveled from all over the state of Washington, some even as far as Oregon, said Lt. Col. Steven Lang, 361st Recruiting Squadron Commander.

"It was very exciting to see the future of the Air Force," said Colonel Lang. "We had the opportunity to show our community the Airmen they'll be seeing at Air Shows a few years from now."

Being sworn in on a military installation at the start of an Air Expo was exciting for these young soon-to-be Airmen.

"This ceremony offered me the camaraderie of being around 200 of my future piers," said Daniel Courtemanche, one of the enlistees.

Courtemanche says he has big dreams and high hopes towards his military career. He is looking forward to his Security Forces job, and currently awaits his ship date.

"For me, participating in this event means I'm one step closer to becoming an Airman," said Courtemanche.

The enlistment ceremony not only opened the door for hundreds of future Airman, but gave the community a great chance to appreciate what the Air Force has to offer.

"The Air Force offers endless opportunities," said Colonel Lang. "It's more competitive than ever in terms of matching people with jobs."

These future Airmen, with great futures and opportunities ahead of them, raised their right hands and promised to support and defend the Constitution of the United States. They made history in a ceremony they will never forget.

"We are incredibly grateful for the gift they are giving to their country," said Colonel Kilb. "This is truly a remarkable day."