Future Airmen show Air Force excitement at NASCAR race Published June 10, 2008 By Dale Eckroth AFRS Strategic Communications Division LONG POND, Penn. -- Prior to the start of the Pocono 500 race, Gen. Bruce Carlson, commander of Air Force Materiel Command, conducted two Delayed Enlistment Program oaths of enlistment ceremonies. First, he swore in 40 young men and women from the 318th Recruiting Squadron. The ceremony took place in front of the squadron's recruiting booth with a crowd of family and friends. After, the general gathered the group of future Airmen around him and answered questions about life in the Air Force. "We have the best young Americans serving in our military today," General Carlson said. Three DEP members, Matt Varga, 20, of Phillipsburg, N.J.; Kelly Kunsman, 18 of Hellertown, Penn., and Matt Geitz, 24 of Bethlehem, Penn., all agreed it was exciting to receive the oath of enlistment from the a four-star general. When asked why they're joining the Air Force, "Education, travel and career opportunities," they said almost in unison. Later, just minutes before the start of the race, more than 100 men and women from all military branches took the oath of enlistment. Standing above the winner's circle, General Carlson, flanked by officers from the other services, raised his hand and administered the oath. With a thunderous applause and cheers from racing fans, the newly sworn-in DEP members marched proudly to awaiting friends and family.