944th FW enlists new recruits

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. David Thoreson
  • 944th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  Air Force Reserve recruiters from the 944th Fighter Wing conducted a mass enlistment ceremony at the wing's Tuskegee Airman Airpark Oct 5. 

The ceremony was part of an Air Force Reserve coast-to-coast enlistment initiative to kick off the new fiscal year recruiting effort. 

Frank Schmuck, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and President of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society, served as the guest speaker. 

"The bond between all of us who have served is the oath we take to our country and our fellow servicemembers," Mr. Schmuck said. "It is unlike any other and in part what makes us the greatest nation on this earth." 

The former Gulf War veteran and professional pilot also said, "...the diversity we find in the men and women who continue to offer themselves in service to our great nation is not only in race, color and creed but also in age and background. This is what makes the service unique in its ability to perform great things." 

Brig. Gen Thomas Harwood, III, Mobilization Assistant to the Commander, 13th Air Force, Pacific Air Forces and former member of the 944th Fighter Wing had the honor of administering the enlistment oath to 15 new reservists in front of family and friends.
 
"This event provided a great opportunity to showcase the Air Force Reserve and the 944th," said Senior Master Sgt. Joanna Gasca, 944th Fighter Wing senior recruiter.
"With a special guest speaker, a General Officer administering the oath, the base honor guard posting the colors and the back drop of the Tuskegee Airman red tail static display, it was indeed a proud moment for enlistees, families and friends."