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317th "Patriots" ring-in new commander with a series of firsts

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Stephen Sutton
  • 317th RCS
BOLLING AIR FORCE BASE, Md. - --  Lt. Col. Ravi Chaudhary assumed command of the 317th Recruiting Squadron at a ceremony here June 13, ushering in a series of firsts for the squadron.

Lt. Col. John Feather relinquished command to Colonel Chaudhary during the ceremony, which was presided over by Col. Cynthia Brown, 360th Recruiting Group commander. Lt. Gen. Christopher Miller, Air Force Deputy Chief of Staff for Strategic Plans and Programs also attended the ceremony.

"Air Force recruiters have the awesome responsibility of building the future of our great service, one Airman at a time," General Miller said. "I was honored to attend, and show my support for the men and women who execute this foundational and tremendously important mission."

The event was also highlighted by a historic "first" in diversity programs. Army Chaplain (Captain) Pratima Dharm, delivered the invocation which marks her first official event as the first Military Hindu Chaplain in the Department of Defense's history.

Following the change of command, members of the 317th RCS welcomed their new commander by having him ring the "Patriot Bell" in the squadron. The ringing of the bell is a squadron tradition which marks the achievement of the squadron's monthly recruiting goal. The 317th RCS has met their recruiting goal for 38 consecutive months-- a squadron record. Chief Master Sgt. John Haldie, 317th RCS superintendant, led the event.

"Ringing the bell signifies mission accomplishment for the 317th, as well a hearty welcome to the Patriot family," Chief Haldie said.

A few days following the ceremony, Colonel Chaudhary administered the oath of enlistment to13 new recruits in front of 9,000 Richmond Squirrels baseball fans in Richmond, Va., during Military Appreciation Night June 25. This was his first Delayed Enlistment Program swear-in. At the conclusion of the oath, the new recruits received a standing ovation.

"It's truly an honor to join the ranks of the 317th, and I'm in awe of the pace at which our recruiters operate," Colonel Chaudhary said. "Recruiters have always filled a critical role for our Nation in times of war. My fellow Patriots are fueling the joint fight every day by inspiring our youth, recruiting battlefield Airmen, and engaging communities all across our region. They are also telling the story of our brothers and sisters engaged in conflict all over the world. I'm honored to join their ranks!"

The 317th RCS is located in Oxon Hill, Md., and covers a 43,000 square-mile area that includes Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia and North Carolina. Its mission is to inspire, engage and recruit the brightest, most competitive and diverse men and women for service in America's Air Force.