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362nd Recruiting Squadron shares Air Force Week insights

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  • By Staff Sgt. Jeremy Gomez
  • 362nd Recruiting Squadron
MARCH ARB, Calif. --  Air Force Week kicked off in Phoenix, Ariz., March 17, offering the 362nd Recruiting Squadron more than a week to promote Air Force job opportunities. The setting proved ideal for recruiting because the event is designed to increase public awareness of the high-tech service's mission, capabilities and the professionalism of its Airmen.

"This was a great event for the community and us, said Master Sgt. Stephanie Coffee, 362nd RCS "H" Flight chief. "Our support staff contributed to the activities while our recruiters handed out information and spoke with the public."

During the first weekend of the event, 362nd RCS Airmen participated in "Tres Rios" a two-day outdoor event that focuses on the rich diversity of wildlife, habitat, history and culture of the Gila River drainage. During the days that followed, squadron Airmen assisted in two Phoenix Coyote Military Appreciation Night games, science fairs, a medical symposium, and multiple high school visits featuring the Air Force Thunderbirds, Honor Guard and Air Combat Command demonstration teams.

In addition to celebrating the service's 60th anniversary, the 362nd RCS gained positive feedback from the community and gained about 75 requests from people who wanted more information about joining the Air Force.

During the Air Force Week proclamation ceremony featuring Arizona Governor Janet Napolitano, the 362nd displayed the Air Force No. 21 NASCAR car, the engine trailer setup and an Air Force Recruiting Service Yukon Raptor. The static displays provided a strong visual background for the ceremony honoring Air Force Week.

"Today's proclamation by the governor showed just how valuable the contributions of the men and women of our Air Force are here, not just for the men and women of Arizona, but truly all American citizens," said Brig. Gen. Noel T. "Tom" Jones, 56th Fighter Wing commander.

The 362nd also reached out to the public with the Air Force message in two major local news broadcasts with Brad Perry, a popular weather anchor; Col Campos, 372nd Recruiting Group commander; and Lt. Col. Malcolm T. "TJ" Johnson, 362nd RCS commander. Squadron members displayed their pride in service by singing the Air Force song and showcasing the Do Something Amazing Mobile Tour and Ricky the Recruiter.

Although they were unavailable at the time, having the Health Professions Mobile Tour and Orange County Chopper display on site would have been a great way to share information about the Air Force medical field and draw in more young people to the recruiting booths, Sergeant Coffee said.

General Jones was impressed by the displays and activities supported by the local military community.

"I think you can see, by the quality of the men and women that were here from all services within our U.S. Air Force, the true talent and quality of our Airmen," General Jones said. "Today's Airmen speak volumes of who we recruit, who we retain and who serves this great nation."

Additional opportunities for recruiting squadrons to support Air Force Week take place in Sacramento, Calif., June 4-10; St. Louis July 2-8; New England Aug. 18-26; Honolulu Sept. 10-16; and Atlanta from Oct. 8-14.

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