INDIANAPOLIS -- With more than 200 career fields, the 434th Air Refueling Wing is constantly looking for innovative ways to pitch opportunities to potential recruits and the wing’s commander recently stepped up to the mound to do just that.
At an Indianapolis Indian’s game June 25, Col. Larry Shaw, 434 ARW commander, threw the first pitch to help reform recruiting efforts and encourage innovative recruiting practices throughout the Hoosier State.
“The Hoosier Wing has some of the best Airmen in the Air Force and we want to continue that legacy by recruiting in our surrounding communities,” said Shaw. “We are stepping up our recruiting efforts by participating in events like this to let people learn more about career opportunities at Grissom.”
During the game, Reserve Citizen Airmen partnered with recruiters from the 434th ARW to man a recruiting tent. While the recruiting tent marketed the Air Force Reserve logo, the Airmen manning the tent were what made it come to life.
“I enjoy recruiting people and telling them about my job and love for the Air Force,” said Staff Sgt. Alexis Wilson, 434th Force Support Squadron career development specialist, who volunteered to help during the event. “It’s easy to speak about something I’m so passionate about and tell others about the benefits and opportunities the Air Force has given me.”
Throughout the game visitors could win prizes by spinning a wheel and performing selected fitness exercises. Children and adults of all ages visited and learned about the Air Force Reserve first-hand by speaking to Airmen.
“This was a great opportunity to not only recruit, but also to educate people about the 434th ARW and our mission,” said Shaw. “In order to ensure the future of the Air Force and Grissom, we have to encourage innovative recruiting efforts to be more effective and more efficient.”
The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command. The Citizen Airmen from the Hoosier Wing routinely deploy around the world in support of the Air Force mission.
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