On July 4, 142 new Airmen from the 344th Recruiting Squadron’s Delayed Entry Program took the Oath of Enlistment before the Texas Rangers baseball game July 4 in Arlington, Texas. Lt. Col Sean McKenna, commander of the 344th RCS, administered the oath in front of more than 45,000 people. “Getting the chance to work with the Texas Rangers and put the Air Force front and center on the 4th of July is a wonderful opportunity," Colonel McKenna said. “The fans are always so supportive and the new recruits get a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be in the spotlight on one of our nation’s most significant days.” Pre-game festivities included 12 Air Force recruiters holding the U.S. Flag in the outfield, two Air Force mini-jet airplanes on the ground and a formation of Air Force F-16s performing a fly-over. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Dustin Beard)
Master Sgt. Steven Wise, first sergeant for the 344th Recruiting Squadron, throws the ceremonial first pitch before the Texas Rangers baseball game July 4 in Arlington, Texas. “I have done a lot of really cool stuff in the Air Force, but this was without a doubt the most memorable. Definitely a great way to finish off a career,” said Sergeant Wise, who retires in April 2011 after 25 years of service. (U.S. Air Force photo/Tech. Sgt. Dustin Beard)