174th Air National Guard Recruiters make History

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kevin K. Dean
  • 174th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, NY --  For the first time in the 174th Fighter Wing's history every recruiter in the office has earned a gold badge. The gold badge is national recognition and a symbol of outstanding achievement.

Four recruiters earned a gold badge, Master Sgt. Addison, Tech. Sgt Stoquert, Tech. Sgt. Paquin, and Tech. Sgt Lynch.  Two members of the office, Master Sgt. Call and Master Sgt. Pollock have previously earned a gold badge.

The 174th Fighter Wing Commander, Col. Kevin W. Bradley, said, "Recruiting is a team sport and their great leadership provides the fuel that drives our organization."

The recruiters at the 174th Fighter Wing recruit for multiple units, to include 174th Fighter Wing, Northeast Air Defense Sector, 152nd Air Operations Group, 274th Air Support Operations Squadron, and the newly formed 222nd Command Control Squadron.  By the end of fiscal year 2008, the 174th Fighter Wing here had recruited over 100% of its goal.

Nationally, the Air Guard met its 2008 goal of recruiting over 100,000 airmen. The gold badge, awarded to recruiters who exceed the mission by 125%, is national recognition of excellence.

Recruiting office supervisor, Master Sgt. Brad Addison, said of the effort, "The hard work and dedication of the recruiters showed, and I am proud to be a part of the 1st ever achievement for the wing and the New York State Air National Guard."

Those interested in joining the New York Air National Guard can go to www.goang.com to find more information.  The New York Air National Guard has programs such as the Reserve G.I. Bill and Tuition Assistance Program, in addition to bonuses of up to $20,000 for select career fields.

Unit members that are traditional drill status and retirees of the Air National Guard can apply to serve as a recruiting assistant and receive up to $2,000 for each person they help enlist.  For more information on this program, go to the Air National Guard Recruiting Assistance program website at www.guardrecruitingassistant.com/air