JACKSONVILLE, Flo. -- Before a sold-out arena, several Air Force recruits swore into enlistment during a Professional Bull Riders competition, February 21, 2026, Jacksonville, Florida.
As the crowd flooded the stands, Total Force Airmen joined forces to enlist three new Air Force recruits as they swore their Oath of Enlistment under Col. Sean “Metro” Fellows, 367th Recruiting Group commander, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
“Our nation's greatest treasures are our nation’s sons and daughters,” said Fellows. “Tonight three of them will start their journey in becoming part of the world’s greatest weapons system-the American Airmen.”
The service commitment, sacrifice, and dedication of Air Force recruits are highlighted through partnerships, such as these, between the Air Force Reserve and PBR, by providing a stage to honor a shared sense of patriotism in the local community.
“You can feel the patriotic energy in the room,” said Tech. Sgt. Wilner Thibeau, 351st Recruiting Squadron production recruiter, Jacksonville, Fla. “I’m excited for the Airmen’s future, whether the Air Force Reserve, Air National Guard, or active Air Force is best to suit their needs, we have the benefits.”
Events like the PBR competition give recruiters a spotlight to engage with the community and educate the public on how they can serve and how service can serve the public and their families.
One basic-training-destined recruit beamed with excitement when she spoke about the opportunities and benefits the USAF will offer her small family, from financial and medical stability to travel.
“This means everything to me,” said Julia Gaiter, USAF recruit. “I have a young daughter, and I want to be everything for her: stability, growth, travel. She loves flights, and now we’re officially flight girls.”
After taking their oath of enlistment, these recruits will prepare for basic military training in their local Delayed Entry Program. The DEP empowers them to excel in the Total Force environment once trained and operational.
To learn more about serving in the Air Force, Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve, go to www.airforce.com/find-a-recruiter or download the AIM HIGH app to speak directly with a recruiter.