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364th RCS gives AFRS commander high ops tempo tour

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Justin Gress
  • 364th Recruiting Squadron
SACRAMENTO, Calif. --  The men and women of the 364th Recruiting Squadron recently demonstrated how high operations tempo is shared not only by those on the front line of the war on terrorism, but also by members of Air Force Recruiting Service who work to find and mentor the next generation of Airmen.

From Sept. 23-28, the 364th RCS logged an extraordinary week showing AFRS Commander Brig. Gen. A.J. Stewart how its team inspires youth in central and northern California to serve their nation in the U.S. Air Force.

"The 364th RCS gave me a week to remember," said the general. "I was impressed with their work in promoting Air Force awareness and their dedication to the Air Force recruiting mission. They are on track for a great FY09!"

The week was filled with two speaking engagements for the general at local Air Force ROTC detachments, two mass Delayed Entry Program commander's calls, and a swear-in ceremony at a local Military Entrance Processing Station for nine new members of the 364th RCS DEP.

The tempo then increased later in the week, placing the Air Force front and center at a Professional Bull Riders competition at the Oakland Oracle arena. While part of the squadron promoted the Air Force at the PBR event, others shared information at the Chico Air Show and the California International Air Show in Salinas. There, the Air Force Thunderbirds gave an incredible demonstration of aerial superiority and air power and also conducted a public swearing-in ceremony for 54 future Airmen. Other squadron members focused their attention supporting a nationally-sponsored AMA Superbike Finale event at Laguna Seca. Members of the 364th RCS ensured that the tens of thousands of spectators at the three events were exposed to what the Air Force is all about and the job opportunities it offers.

Additionally, squadron personnel in the Sacramento area participated in a Great American Rivalry Series football game that paired two powerful teams. During the event, 364th RCS Production Superintendent Senior Master Sgt. Ronald Orr presented one of the players a $500 scholarship.

Not to be outdone by the other military branches, squadron members also attended Drop and Give Me Twenty in Rancho Cordova. The event features a variety of games based on basic military training, including an obstacle course and a mud run.

Even with the various high-level visits and events, squadron members pushed to ensure maximum operational hours at their recruiting offices to ensure the public is aware that even during these hard economic times the Air Force is hiring. On average, 364th RCS recruiters put in more 65 of hours during the week visiting schools and working in their offices, and found 41 applicants to take the next step in joining the world's No. 1 air and space force.

"Each and every 364th team member knows how critical his or her efforts are toward the overall success of the Air Force's mission here in the continental United States and abroad, and that is why they are willing to sacrifice time away from their families and to readjust time for other priorities with little to no fanfare," said Lt. Col. Ruben Rios, squadron commander. "I am extremely proud of each and every one of them."