Identical twins share Identical twins share
similar journey similar journey
to become Airmento become Airmen
A letter A letter
to the editor on to the editor on
paying it forwardpaying it forward
Space Force website Space Force website
launches on service’s launches on service’s
2nd anniversary2nd anniversary
January 2022
BEHIND BADGE
ABOUT US:
Behind the Badge is a digitally
published, monthly magazine
catering to the recruiting
community. It is an ofcial
publication of the Air Force
Recruiting Service Public Affairs
Ofce.
SUBMIT:
Behind the Badge
welcomes submissions
from all recruiters and
those working in the
eld. Photos, videos, story
ideas, commentaries,
suggestions and criticisms
are all welcome, although
publication is not guaranteed.
TO SUBMIT:
email: [email protected].mil
DEADLINE:
Submission: 24 January
Publication: 4 February
THE
FROM THE EDITOR
W
elcome to 2022 and Happy New Year! We couldn’t
think of anyone better to spend the next 358 or so
days with than you. These last two years have been
tough because of COVID-19 but recruiters have
excelled and accomplished staggering feats of excellence.
This year marks the diamond anniversary of the U.S. Air
Force. Born on Sept. 18, 1947, the world is a better place
thanks to the men and women who have worn the Air Force
blue. The Air Education and Training Command, our major
command, celebrates its own 80th anniversary this year. In
this edition of the BTB we hope to give you a glimpse of where
we’ve come from.
Of course, each day you get to look into the crystal balls
that are the eyes of future Airmen and future Guardians. You’ll
nd some of their stories here as well.
As always, we are grateful for your contributions. Continue
to send us your photos, stories and story ideas.
Stay safe and healthy!
ON THE COVER:
Helpful Hint on How to Save Images:
Dakota Veale recites the Oath of Enlistment
as his rst step toward becoming a
Guardian in the U.S. Space Force while his
stepmother, Erica Veale, a 367th Recruiting
Squadron human resources assistant at
the Military Entrance Processing Station in
Amarillo, Texas, looks on.
W
e love showcasing Recruiters in Action ... keep them coming! I wanted
to share a few helpful hints for the New Year!
Things to remember when submitting your images to PA for
consideration for the magazine:
1. Images should be 300 dpi (dots per inch) at the intial submission. (or at
least 1 mb le size in jpeg format.)
2. Resolution and image size are inversely proportional to each other.
Enlarge an image, the resolution decreases; reduce an image,
the resolution increases. Example: a 2 x 2” image at 300 dpi (acceptable)
enlarged to 4 x 4” has a new resolution of 150 dpi (unacceptable).
3. When submitting your images, please do not embed in your word
document. Send your images separately in jpeg format (or at least 1 mb
le).
4. Low resolution images print fuzzy, jagged, blurry and does not allow much
exibility in the nal layout.
When using your cell phones:
1. Use gridelines:they help balance your shot when taking pictures with your
phone. Turning on gridlines will place lines on your screen based on the
rule of thirds.
2. Get Closer, lose the lters, clean the lens and turn off the ash.
3. Trying taking pictures from weird angles. This can result in some of the
most memorable photos. It’s all about seeing things from a different
perspective!
4. Turn your phone on its side. The web is a horizontal medium.
Visit: digitalbrandinginstitue.com/take-awesome-pictures-phone/
for more tips.
If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at:
[email protected]
1
OO
f the more than 26,600 regular Air Force
enlistments in scal 2021, statistically
speaking, two were extraordinary.
Identical twin brothers were recruited by
their brother and they attended Basic
Military Training at the same time, in the same unit
with both excelling as individuals while on their journey
to become Airmen.
“According to public sources, the instances of
identical twins in the U.S. is four in every thousand,”
said Eric Carlson, a marketing research analyst with Air
Force Recruiting Service at Joint Base San Antonio-
Randolph, Texas. In an era of reduced propensity to
join the military, the uncommonness of Calvin and
Cameron Smith’s journey begins there.
Before joining the Air Force, in their hometown of
La Grande, Oregon, with a population of about 14,000
people, the twins were active in clubs and sports
during their high school career. Family members
said that they enjoyed time outdoors and helping
their great uncle, an Air Force retiree and Vietnam
War veteran who lives in Monroe, Washington, as
well as their father with projects such as building
construction and land conservation.
After graduation the two opted to stay close
to home. “They both lived on campus while studying
to become history teachers at Eastern Oregon
University, here,” said Andrea Pelascini, the twins’
mother and a La Grande businesswoman. She said
that the transition to college life was working but
when COVID-19 hampered the social aspect of campus
life, both started looking at other career options.
“Cameron reached out to the National Guard
recruiter and researched a few other branches but in
the end he decided the Air Force was the best t,”
Pelascini said.
So Cameron turned to another sibling to get
advice on joining the Air Force. The twin’s older
brother had recently become an Air Force recruiter.
The only trouble was that he was on the other side of
the continent.
“Cameron started asking me some questions
about my time in the Air Force,” said Tech. Sgt.
Zachary Smith an enlisted accessions recruiter with
the 313th Recruiting Squadron in New Hartford, New
York. Zachary is eight years older than the twins but
he said their great uncle had inspired him to join the
Air Force and serve in its security forces. “I wanted to
be a cop and the Air Force gave me security forces
which I love to this day.”
Cameron decided to visit Zachary in New York.
Calvin wasn’t as interested but he nally decided to
tag along on the 2,700-mile trip from Oregon. Once
they reached New York their big brother and Air
Force recruiter elected to be patient with his Air
Force-applicant siblings. “I didn’t want to pressure my
brothers to join, especially if they didn’t like it in the
end,” Zachary said.
The twins considered what their brother told them
and both warmed to the idea of joining the Air Force.
“Calvin decided to see how well he would test and
he got a high score. When Calvin got serious about
Identical twins share similar
journey to become Airmen
By Randy Martin, AFRS Public Affairs
2
wanting to join, the recruiter side of Zach informed him
of all the opportunities,” Pelascini said.
They returned to Oregon and Zachery got the call
all recruiters enjoy taking.
“Cameron asked me if I could recruit him. I said that
I could but he would have to go through the Military
Entrance Processing Station in New York,” Zachary
said.
After Cameron made his second roundtrip to
New York and completed the enlistment process,
his twin brother in Oregon decided he would do the
same thing. By August 2021, the twins were back in La
Grande and ready for the next leg of their journey.
“They honestly were the two easiest recruits I
ever had,” Zachary said. “They both understood what
I was telling them and both were perfect at the MEPS.
I did meetings via FaceTime up until they shipped to
Basic Military Training. They are both very physically t
and very mature for their age.”
The twins left La Grande for BMT at Joint Base
San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, on Oct. 10, 2021. “My
leadership set them with the same ship date since
they are twins and my brothers,” Zachary said.
It was good news for the twins.
“Zach made the recruiting process very smooth,”
Cameron said. “It was a real blessing.”
At Lackland the twins were assigned to Flight 010
in the 322nd Training Squadron. Their military training
instructors made them be each other’s Wingman, a
pairing common in the Air Force that is intended to
provide Airmen with a support network. According
to their family, it’s a relationship the two have shared
since birth.
“Their dad would say that Calvin has always
been the front guy while Cameron would be in the
back observing,” Pelascini said. “Calvin is the talker
while Cameron is the listener. They always have each
other’s back. Joining the Air Force and attending
BMT together seems like it was meant to be. They
always push and challenge each other in a playful
but competitive way so I think this experience was
positive for them.”
Despite their readymade support network, BMT
proved to be a challenge.
“They called one of us every Saturday,” Zachary
said. “They were denitely shocked after the rst
week. I think they were expecting something else and
did not realize how challenging BMT could actually be.
As the weeks progressed their condence had grown
and they became more comfortable.”
Letters from the twins kept family across the U.S.
informed.
“Cameron was the rst to write,” Pelascini said.
“He wrote to his dad. It was an emotional letter
talking about how thankful he was that his dad had
taught him life lessons and was not only a father but
his friend. He really was embracing the importance of
family and the meaning of time. The next few letters
were to me and they were information about his daily
routines and spoke of the individuals he had met and
his positive experiences with his instructors. Calvin
wrote to me knowing I would share his letters with
everyone. As a mom I ask a million questions so Calvin
made sure to list all the details and write in-depth
about the BMT daily experiences. He also spoke of the
friendships he was making and how Cameron was.”
Then Staff Sgt. Zachary Smith, an enlisted accessions recruiter with
the 313th Recruiting Squadron in New Hartford, New York, looks
on while his younger brother, Airman Calvin Smith, embraces their
father, Dan, a few minutes after a Basic Military Training graduation
ceremony in Airman’s Arena at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland,
Texas, Nov. 24, 2021. Calvin and his identical twin brother Cameron,
(seen hugging their mother Andrea Pelascini), were recruited by
Zachary while they were still living in La Grande, Oregon, and after
they showed interest in serving in the Air Force. (photo by Randy
Martin)
3
The twins graduated from BMT Nov.
24, 2021, at JBSA-Lackland. Their mother,
father and recruiter had a family reunion
with their new Airmen in Airman’s Arena
which was lled by hundreds of others
who were also seeing their loved ones for
the rst time in many weeks. There were
hugs and tears aplenty on the eve of
Thanksgiving in San Antonio.
Cameron had earned acclaim in
training for his physical tness test
score and he was preparing to follow
in Zachary’s footsteps to security
forces training. Calvin, with new ribbons
representing awards and airman rank on
his uniform, had graduated in the top 10%
of their squadron academically and he
was preparing to enter the geospatial
intelligence career eld.
“It was great to go through BMT
together because the beginning is
stressful and at night we could talk
to each other and provide each other
support,” Calvin said.
They didn’t know if they would
eventually be stationed together but
Calvin said that he expected their
requests for future assignments to look
alike.
Their recruiter hugged his brothers.
“I feel like a little dad, helping them
become the individuals that they are,”
Zachary said.
After Thanksgiving and departure
to homes in Oregon and New York, or
in the twin’s case, technical schools in
Texas, family members said that they
hoped to have another reunion around
Christmastime in La Grande.
“We are so proud of Calvin and
Cameron,” Pelascini said. “They are both
amazing individuals destined to do great
things!”
Then Staff Sgt. Zachary Smith (center), an enlisted accessions recruiter with the
313th Recruiting Squadron in New Hartford, New York, poses for a photograph
with his identical twin brothers (Cameron and Calvin) and their parents, Dan Smith
(left) and Andrea Pelascini, in Airman’s Arena at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland,
Texas, on Nov. 24, 2021, a few minutes after the twins graduated from Basic
Military Training becoming Airmen. Zachary recruited the twins while they were
still living in La Grande, Oregon and after they showed interest in serving in the Air
Force. (photo by Randy Martin)
Then Staff Sgt. Zachary Smith (center), an enlisted accessions recruiter with the
313th Recruiting Squadron in New Hartford, New York, poses for a photograph with
his identical twin brothers (Cameron and Calvin) near Niagara Falls, New York, in
the fall of 2020 before the twins joined the Air Force. Zachary recruited the twins
while they were still living in La Grande, Oregon and after they showed interest in
serving in the Air Force. (Courtesy Photo)
Dear editor,
On Oct. 20, 2021, I had an amazing opportunity to be a part of the Robins
Air Force Base, Georgia,
Airman Leadership School seminar.
My role during the seminar was to teach time management to future
noncommissioned officers.
As a recruiter it was a very profound moment to look around and know
every Airman in that room was put into the Air Force by one of my
recruiter counterparts. As recruiters, each day we ship amazing future
Airmen to the world’s greatest Air Force. I felt honored to teach key time
management concepts and principles that will help them maintain a
prosperous career during their journey.
While I was instructing, I would walk down the aisles where each Airman
sat giving out planning tips to accomplish daily, weekly, monthly and
yearly goals. I would ask each one what their Air Force Specialty Code is. It
was very important to me that I showed undivided attention to each of their
positions in the Air Force. To me it was my way of showing them that they
are valued.
The one thing I love about being in a developmental special duty is the
additional skill sets I’ve learned so I can pour it back into the operational
force. Ultimately, I felt this opportunity was the epitome of “paying it
forward.” I took everything I have been taught and been certified on
regarding time management and I poured it back into our future NCOs.
When my brief ended I was flooded with questions about being a recruiter
and amazing stories about the Airmen’s own recruiters. Before closing I
left each of them with one piece of parting advice to remember during their
journey and that was to never lose focus on who you are as person.
4
A letter to the editor on paying it forwardA letter to the editor on paying it forward
Tech. Sgt. Takecia McDufe, Tech. Sgt. Takecia McDufe,
Recruiter, 336th Recruiting Squadron, Recruiter, 336th Recruiting Squadron,
Marietta, GeorgiaMarietta, Georgia
M
aj. Gen. Ed Thomas, Air Force Recruiting Service commander, administers the Oath of Enlistment
during a Total Force Air Force and Space Force enlistment ceremony aboard the Battleship Missouri
Memorial at Ford Island, Hawaii, Dec. 6, 2021. Brig. Gen. Joseph Harris (center), Hawaii Air National
Guard commander, administered the oath for his unit’s recruits. The group of 20 included Air National
Guard, Air Force Reserve, Air Force and Space Force recruits. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Alan
Ricker)
5
RECRUITERS IN ACTION
AFRS/CC
6
L
t. Col. Matthew Tipton,
the commander of
the 362nd Recruiting
Squadron, administers
the Oath of Enlistment for
Master Sgt. Christopher
Sawhill, the rst sergeant
of the 362nd RCS, Dec. 3,
2021, atop a hill known as
the “M Trail” near Moreno
Valley, California. Several
members of the squadron
walked 3.3 miles to reach
a good backdrop for the
reenlistment photo.
RECRUITERS IN ACTION
362nd RCS
Oath of Enlistment
D
akota Veale recites the Oath of Enlistment as his first step
toward becoming a Guardian in the U.S. Space Force
while his stepmother, Erica Veale, a 367th Recruiting Squadron
human resources assistant at the Military Entrance Processing
Station in Amarillo, Texas, looks on. Dakota is the first applicant
to join the Space Force processing through the Amarillo MEPS.
Erica said that Dakota’s lifelong dream was to work in a space-
related career and he now says that one day he wants to retire
from the military.
RECRUITERS IN ACTION
367th RCS
7
MM
embers of the 369th Recruiting Group helped Dorothy Hunter celebrate her retirement after
52 years of employment with the civil service at a lunch in Arlington, Texas, Dec. 16, 2021.
Of those, 50 years have been with Air Force Recruiting Service. She rst worked in the 344th
Recruiting Squadron’s operations ofce and later joined the 342nd RCS. Throughout her tenure
she helped hundreds of recruiters, leaders and countless applicants. (Courtesy Photos)
52
YEARS
CIVIL
SERVICE
CC
raig Maxwell wears a Santa Claus
costume and poses for a photo
inside a mall at Longview, Texas,
with Tech. Sgt. Jason Suiter, a recruiter
with F Flight from the 344th Recruiting
Squadron, during the Christmas season
in 2021. Maxwell shared the story of his father who
joined the U.S. Army Air Forces after the Japanese attack
at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, on Dec. 7, 1941. Maxwell told
Suiter that he stood with him in recognition of his father’s
service and in honor of the Air Force. When Maxwell’s
father was discharged the U.S. Army Air Force had
become the U.S. Air Force. Maxwell said
his father was proud to be part of that history.
RECRUITERS IN ACTION
344th RCS
8
A
ir Force Recruiting Service held its annual Cyber Conference
Nov. 30 to Dec. 3, 2021, at the Hilton Garden Inn
Conference Center in Live Oak, Texas. Brig. Gen. Lisa Craig, Air
Force Recruiting Service Deputy Commander, gave opening
remarks. The conference featured briengs, professional development sessions and panel
discussions for more than 70 participants. AFRS Chief Information Ofcer James Herrick,
presented the award for Top Client Systems Operator to (from top to bottom) Tech. Sgt.
Stanley Crawford, noncommissioned ofcer in charge of communications for the 367th
Recruiting Squadron and Tech. Sgt. Dale Clark, NCOIC of client services for the 319th RCS.
Next, Herrick presented the award for Top Knowledge Operator to Tech. Sgt. Emily Gilbert,
cyber operations section chief for the 372nd Recruiting Group.
AFRS holds Cyber Conference,
presents top awards
9
Space Force recruiting Space Force recruiting
website launches on website launches on
service’s 2nd anniversaryservice’s 2nd anniversary
T
he U.S. Space Force
recruiting website went
live as the newest
service marked its second
anniversary. SpaceForce.
com is now the site where
future Guardians can nd
everything they need to
know about careers such
as space operations, cyber,
intelligence, acquisitions
and engineering. Visitors will
also nd basic info about
Space Force, how to enlist or
become an ofcer.
The U.S. Space Force
was established Dec. 20,
2019, under the Department
of the Air Force, and Air
Force Recruiting Service
is the Space Force’s arm for
recruiting and advertising to
attract the next generation of
military space professionals.
“We are proud to be part of
the Space Force mission and
ensure the story of what this
forward-looking service does
is told and that their ranks are
lled with the highest-caliber
Guardians,” said Barry Dickey,
AFRS director of strategic
marketing.
While most of its current
Guardians have transferred
into the Space Force through
service-to-service transfers,
the service’s future requires
inspiring and attracting talent
from across the country
through national advertising,
face-to-face recruiting and
digital engagement. Similar to
AirForce.com, SpaceForce.
com will feature an interactive
user experience with
information and functionality
that will be useful to aspiring
Guardians.
“SpaceForce.com is
engineered with future
Guardians in mind,” said
Capt. Timothy Applegate,
Guardian and chief of the
Space Force marketing
branch for AFRS. “While the
site’s appearance will evolve
with additional imagery and
video, this debut version
includes functions that
will inform visitors about
the Space Force mission,
careers, benets, the process
to join, and options to connect
with a recruiter.”
AFRS recruited about 400
enlisted Guardians and about
three dozen ofcers in the
rst year of recruiting in 2021.
AFRS’s goal for recruiting
Guardians in scal 2022 is
521 enlisted and about 70
ofcers. All recruiters in the
Department of the Air Force
recruit Guardians. Each
enlisted accessions squadron
has a dedicated Space Force
recruiter for a total of 24 in
AFRS.
10
Air Force recruiting’s
social media platforms
including LinkedIn,
Twitter usaf_recruiting
handle, Facebook’s @
USAirForceRecruiting, and
YouTube, will continue to
feature links and other Space
Force-centric information
resources. Space Force
secured its recruiting-focused
social media handle, @
gospaceforce earlier this
year and it can be found
on Instagram, Twitter and
Facebook.
The bond between Recruiting Service and
the Space Force is strong and Air Force
recruiters and marketing professionals are
proud to help advance our nation’s space
mission.
Capt. Timothy Applegate
“
RECRUITERS IN ACTION
330th RCS
T
he 330th Recruiting Squadron partnered with
Air Force Special Operations Command for the
Collegiate Wrestling Duals held at Northwest Florida
State College, Dec. 20–21, 2021, in Niceville, Florida.
Special Warfare and Enlisted Accessions recruiters,
with assistance from Special Warfare operators
around the area, set up a booth alongside an
AFSOC display promoting the four Special Warfare
career fields and show potential candidates the full
spectrum from start to finish what a career in Air
Force Special Warfare looks like.
The Collegiate Wrestling Duals
A spectator at the Collegiate Wrestling Duals
does a pull-up at the Special Warfare booth
during the sporting event in Niceville, Florida.
Pull-ups are part of the Physical Ability and
Stamina Test that potential candidates must
pass in order to get into development for the
Special Warfare Candidate Course. (Courtesy
Photo)
11
RECRUITERS IN ACTION
330th RCS
OO
n Friday, Dec. 17, 2021, Lt. Col. Steven Cooper, commander of the 330th Recruiting
Squadron and special tactics ofcer, administered the Oath of Enlistment to Master
Sgt. James Gill at the 330th Recruiting Squadron headquarters in San Antonio. Gill is
the standardization and training ight chief and has been with the unit for over a year.
In a time-honored tradition, Cooper led members of the squadron in memorial push-ups after
the re-enlistment ceremony.
Master Sgt. James Gill’s re-enlistmentMaster Sgt. James Gill’s re-enlistmentMaster Sgt. James Gill’s re-enlistmentMaster Sgt. James Gill’s re-enlistment
T
he 330th Recruiting Squadron’s F Flight met with ROTC cadets from
Texas A&M University, Oct. 26-28, 2021, at College Station, Texas.
Special Warfare Recruiters put the cadets through physical training
similar to what Special Warfare operators go through and spoke to
them about the unique opportunities of their career fields. Lt. Col. Steven Cooper,
330th RCS commander and special tactics officer, spoke to the cadets specifically
about being an officer and provided professional development sessions for the
cadets.
Texas A&M Texas A&M
ROTC event ROTC event
12
M
aster Sgt. Nathan Galati, Air Force and Space
Force enlisted accessions recruiter with the
319th Recruiting Squadron, earned the title “Gold
Badge Recruiter” for scal year 2021.
The Gold Badge program recognizes the top
production recruiter in the squadron who has
enhanced the Air Force Recruiting Service mission.
“The Gold Badge is the highest honor a
Recruiting Squadron can bestow to one of its
members,” said Master Sgt.
Michael Gruetzmacher,
319th RCS’s ight chief
for F Flight. “The Gold
Badge recipient impacts
all areas of a squadron and
leads the entire team to
success through, not only
production, but the culture
that they help to create.”
Galati said that he
earned the title by not only
focusing on production
and mission performance,
but also by encompassing
the “whole Airman
concept.”
“This job did not
come easy to me in the
beginning,” Galati said.
“Through trial and error, I
learned what tactics work
best for me.”
Galati received
his award during the
squadron’s annual awards
ceremony in early October.
“Master Sgt. Galati completely changed the
culture of our ight during his time here. His
production numbers were great but he was a
leader that everyone looked to in times of doubt,”
Gruetzmacher said. “He showed new recruiters
that they could succeed, even if success wasn’t
typical in their area or ight, and then he showed
them how. That’s what made him a real contender
for the Gold Badge award.”
“It means the world to me,” Galati said. “It’s
an honor to have my leadership recognize my
hard work, not just this past year, but throughout
my time in recruiting. My ight hasn’t won many
production awards so this accomplishment is even
more rewarding.”
After starting his recruiting career in April
2018, Galati said he discovered how fullling it
could be.
“This career eld
gave me the opportunity
to inspire individuals in
my community to seek
other pathways than the
traditional college route,”
he said. “It is rewarding
because I can see rst-hand
how this position helps
change lives and bring the
best individuals into the
Air Force.”
Galati said his advice
for new recruiters is to
worry about what they
can control instead of the
things they can’t.
“Learn from your
failures, because failure
happens a lot,” he said.
“Find innovative ways to
reach your audience. Stay
updated on the current
modes of communication
and advertisement because
it is constantly evolving.”
Galati said he knows that without support, he
wouldn’t be where he is today.
“I want to thank my leadership for all of the
mentorship, support and guidance along the way,”
he said. “I also want to thank our support ight,
Military Entrance Processing Station operation
and training ights, my ight chief, coworkers and
my wife. This award takes a team effort to achieve
and I would not have made it here without any of
you.”
By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Nagle,
319th Recruiting Squadron
Galati wins Gold Badge Galati wins Gold Badge
Recruiter awardRecruiter award
Galati wins Gold Badge
Recruiter award
13
T
he Air Force recruiting mission is to
inspire, engage and recruit the next
generation of Airmen. For one enlisted
accessions recruiter out of Plymouth
with the 319th Recruiting Squadron,
that mission statement hit close to home.
Over his six years as a recruiter, Tech. Sgt. Robert
Emerson has welcomed many new people into the Air
Force family, but three stand out. They were his sons.
Of his four children, three have chosen to dedicate
their lives to the Air Force. Emerson played a big role
in their decisions, both as their father and as their
recruiter.
He describes the experience as emotional.
“It was hard to say goodbye,” he said. “[But]
seeing them make this decision and knowing that they
will have great careers, get good educations without
student loans and have benefits and opportunities was
very rewarding.”
Emerson’s time as a recruiter is coming to a close
as he prepares for retirement after 22 years in the
service. His final recruit, fittingly, was his son Daniel,
who began his journey with Basic Military Training at
Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, Nov. 8, 2021.
Like father, like
sons: a legacy
of service
Before Emerson was selected for recruiting, he
worked in the munitions systems technology career
field. His wife, Esther, and his children supported his
Air Force career and he said he couldn’t have done it
without them.
“I can’t thank Esther enough for her love and
support throughout our service in the Air Force,” he
said. “It is because of her love and devotion to our
children that they became who they are and made the
decision to enlist.”
As Emerson passes the proverbial torch to his sons,
he shares the wisdom he has learned through his 22
years of service.
“Be your own hero and control your own career,”
he said. “Do things right the first time, remember your
goals and take time for yourself.”
Emerson reflects on the adults his children have
become and the path they’re taking.
“Even though, as a father, I’ll never stop worrying
about them, I know they have a bright future,” he said.
“I can’t describe the pride I feel for each of my children
for making this decision and following through.”
By Staff Sgt. Kimberly Nagle,
319th Recruiting Squadron
14
T
he newest Operation Blue Suit winners for Air Force Recruiting Service were announced Dec. 1, 2021.
Maj. Gen. Ed Thomas, AFRS commander, announced the newest winners, known as being the best of the
best, who will be recognized and celebrated during a week of festivities in San Antonio, Mar. 7 to 11, 2021.
“Beginning in 1979, this time-honored tradition recognized the first group of recruiters for surpassing
all goals, displaying the highest leadership qualities, and having the most impact on our mission,” Thomas
wrote in an email to all AFRS members. “As we carry on this prestigious program, this year’s Total Force
winners clearly distinguished themselves and navigated the challenges as they forged new paths for the next
generation of recruiters. These great Airmen represent all of us.”
The 18 Total Force Airmen selected as Operation Blue Suit XLIII winners are:
Master Sgt. Leo Knight-Inglesby 311th RCS, 360th RCG
Tech. Sgt. Miesha Ladd 318th RCS, 360th RCG
Master Sgt. Roberto Franco 318th RCS, 360th RCG
Tech. Sgt. Richard Walkowiak, Jr. 330th RCS, 369th RCG
Master Sgt. Matthew London 330th RCS, 369th RCG
Tech. Sgt. Dustin Kincaid 336th RCS, 369th RCG
Master Sgt. Benjamin Woods 336th RCS, 369th RCG
Tech. Sgt. Amber Montanaro 336th RCS, 369th RCG
Tech. Sgt. Kevin Gonzalez 338th RCS, 360th RCG
Master Sgt. Daniel Buford 349th RCS, 369th RCG
Master Sgt. Dexter Dodd 367th RCS, 372nd RCG
Master. Sgt. Seth Coyer 23rd FSS, In-Service Recruiter, Moody AFB, Georgia
Master Sgt. Alexander James 434th Air Refueling Wing, 350th Recruiting Squadron, Line Oicer
Recruiter, Grissom AFB, Indiana
Tech. Sgt. Emily Hanson 141st Air Refueling Wing, Fairchild AFB, Washington
Tech. Sgt. Rebecca Absher 140th Wing, Buckley Space Force Base, Colorado
Master Sgt. Aaron Fowler 30th Force Support Squadron, In-Service Recruiter, Vandenberg
SFB, California
Tech. Sgt. Jared Kidwell Headquarters, Tennessee Air National Guard, Recruiting Service
Tech. Sgt. Vincent Tallarico Headquarters, Air Force Recruiting Service
As we carry on this prestigious program, this year’s Total Force winners clearly
distinguished themselves and navigated the challenges as they forged new paths for
the next generation of recruiters. These great Airmen represent all of us.
Maj. Gen. Edward Thomas
“
Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
2021 Operation Blue Suit
winners announced