Recruiting right takes care of future Airmen, their families Published Aug. 12, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs RANDOLPH AFB, Texas -- Few people like being made into an example, but Air Force Recruiter Staff Sergeant James Bass does not mind. In fact, he kind of likes it because it represents what he loves about his service. The 336th Recruiting Squadron NCO's story began with a letter written by the mother of a recent basic training graduate and sent to Sergeant Bass' commander. In it, Jennifer Safford shared how, although she initially opposed her daughter's decision to enlist, the recruiter assigned to the Summerville, S.C., office maintained his professionalism and shared his confidence in the daughter's decision to join those who serve "Above All." The letter didn't stop with the squadron commander, Lt. Col. Richard Van Hook. He passed it to Brig. Gen. Alfred J. Stewart, Air Force Recruiting Service commander, who shared it with General Stephen R. Lorenz, commander of Air Education and Training Command. The general was impressed at how the recruiter's actions represented the professionalism of Airmen everyday as they uphold the Air Force's second priority of, "Taking care of Airmen and their families." He shared this sentiment in his speech after accepting command of AETC in a ceremony July 2. "The lesson learned is to always 'recruit right,'" said Chief Master Sgt. Terence Turner, 336th RCS superintendent in a message to his squadron. "Recruit applicants as if you are recruiting your own sons or daughters, preparing them for success as best as you possibly can." Ms. Safford's reaction to her 19-year-old daughter's decision to enlist was not unusual, said Sergeant Bass. Parents, concerned for their child's future, commonly question recruiter honesty and voice concerns about enlistment as leading recent high school graduates away from pursuing a higher education. "I support the military, but when it came to my daughter enlisting, I worried," said the high school administrator's assistant. "Sergeant Bass was kind, respected my feelings and gave me assurance that Tiffany was making a good decision." Familiar with the drill, Sergeant Bass answered the concerned mother's many questions and spoke openly about Air Force life with not only Ms. Safford, but also Tiffany Sharp's brother and sister. The recruiter had to wait for some answers, such as those about the job Tiffany selected, because the recruit was still on a waiting list for the Air Force specialty, so the sergeant explained the Air Force job booking process and continually reassured her. He also worked with the future Airman, preparing her physically and mentally for basic training as he does for all his recruits in the Delayed Entry Program. Sergeant Bass maintained contact with Ms. Safford while her daughter attended basic, shared insights about the training and answered additional questions. "Airman Recruit Sharp" successfully graduated basic training in late March, and following the recruiter's advice, Ms. Safford was in the stands at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, during the ceremony, ready to be the first person to give now "Airman Basic Sharp" a congratulatory hug. Proud of her daughter's achievement, Ms. Safford wrote the detailed letter to the recruiting commander, sharing her appreciation for the NCO's recruiting professionalism and shared confidence in the daughter's decision to enlist. "I personally hope that all recruiters would be able to care for the families like that because it means so much," Ms. Safford said. "The relationship that it builds is important. You never know how it could help later." Today, Airman Sharp is at Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, preparing to graduate technical school in early August as an aircraft armament systems apprentice. She plans to assist Sergeant Bass with recruiting for a few weeks following graduation, which will give her time to be with her family before she heads to her first assignment at Whiteman AFB, Mo. There, the young Airman will begin her career as a B-2 Spirit multi-role bomber weapons load crewmember. And, to her mother's relief, Airman Sharp's training has earned her about 24 credits toward her Community College of the Air Force associate's degree, and she can continue pursuing her degree with 100 percent tuition assistance. Following up with parents and keeping them informed is an important part of recruiting that benefits all involved, the future Airmen, their loved ones and recruiters, Sergeant Bass said. "I check on them because I'm a part of their community," the NCO said. "They put their trust in me as a part of that community and in turn, it becomes a force multiplier for me." In return, Sergeant Bass maintains a strong Delayed Entry Program, acquires helpers through the Recruiter Assistance Program and gains referrals from community influencers. Maintaining a personal recruiting philosophy of being honest, practicing a positive attitude and upholding a sense of community, and the Air Force Core Values: Integrity, Service Before Self and Excellence In All We Do, has served the four-year, silver badge recruiter well. For the past 25 months, Sergeant Bass has met his recruiting goal. This fiscal year he has assisted 28 people start their Air Force careers, exceeding the number of quality recruits he's tasked to find by 36 percent. "Doing 'right' goes along with recruiting the right skills, at the right time, along with the right numbers," shared Air Force Recruiting Service Command Chief Master Sgt. Vance Clarke, in a message to all AFRS members. "I belief this story bears out that 'staying the high road' and doing 'the right thing' will always prevail." By taking care of future Airmen and their families, recruiters ensure the mission will be completed with perfection, the chief said. "The big things, regardless of the face doing them, will nearly always get done, but it is the little things 'we' choose to do that make the biggest difference," he said.