Florida recruiter shows meaning of wingman

Published July 31, 2007
By By Master Sgt. Carmelo Vega
333rd Recruiting Squadron E Flight Chief

PATRICK AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Most jobs in the Air Force require a fair amount of teamwork, but one Florida recruiter recently went above and beyond to help a teammate out.

When Tech. Sgt. Benjamin Schaub, an enlisted accessions recruiter with the 333rd Recruiting Squadron in Altamonte Springs, Fla., received his notification to attend the NCO Academy at Tyndall Air Force Base, Fla., this spring, his officer partner, Tech. Sgt. Scott Schmitt, did more than just pick up the slack.

While Sgt. Schaub was away at school, Sgt. Schmitt, a first-year recruiter, managed a two-person office without missing a beat. Not only did he oversee his own monthly goals of bringing high quality people in the Air Force, but he inherited his office partner's Delayed Enlistment Program, which included conducting two DEP commander' s calls, shipping three new accession to basic military training, and conducting several interviews.

"He kept the machine well oiled and running smoothly while his office partner hit the books and learned to become a better leader," said Lt. Col. Michael Tillema, 333rd RCS commander. "He is to be commended for his performance."

Sergeant Schmitt's actions enabled his office partner to produce 200 percent of his mission goal in both June and July. He also set up 15 new applicants for Sergeant Schaub to interview upon his return, all while managing his own flow of applicants, producing 200 percent of his own goal, and coordinating a major marketing event.

"His phenomenal display of teamwork and airmanship sends a clear message," said Lt. Col. Tillema. "Our people are making a difference and the wingman program is alive and well."

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