News>Airmen highlight recruiting efforts for 7 million NASCAR fans
Photos
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz gives words of advice to a member of the delayed entry program July 2, 2011, at the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona Beach, Fla. Before administering the oath of enlistment to the DEP members, Schwartz thanked all the parents for helping their sons and daughters on the first step of their Air Force careers. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley)
Airmen and cadets walk a massive American flag onto the infield July 2, 2011, at the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona Beach, Fla., before a live and broadcast crowd of more than 7 million people. Air Force recruiters use NASCAR events as a way to appeal to youth who may be interested in a mechanically-focused job, such as an avionics specialist or crew chief. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley)
A.J. Allmendinger, the NASCAR driver for the Air Force-sponsored No. 43 car, listens to Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz at the Coke Zero 400 in Daytona Beach, Fla., July 2, 2011. Schwartz thanked him for taking time to support recruiting efforts and representing the Air Force while he drove. Allmendinger ended up placing 10th in the race. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley)
An Airman from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., holds an American flag measuring 300-by-150 feet July 2, 2011, at the Coke Zero 400 at Daytona Beach, Fla. Air Force recruiters use NASCAR events to publicize the benefits of Air Force life and appeal to youth interested in mechanical jobs. (U.S. Air Force photo/Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley)
by Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley
23rd Wing Public Affairs
7/7/2011 - DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. (AFNS) -- One hundred Airmen from Moody Air Force Base, Ga., unfurled a football field-sized U.S. flag in front of a crowd of 7.3 million live and broadcast viewers as the national anthem played at here July 2.
The Coke Zero 400 at Daytona, a NASCAR race almost as old as the organization itself, was an opportune event for Air Force recruiters to appeal to a crowd whose interests are similar to the military's.
"Anything we can do to get the Air Force in people's minds is a good thing," said Tech. Sgt. Brad Barth, a 336th Recruiting Squadron marketing NCO. "The crowds at NASCAR tend to be mechanically inclined, and that can translate directly into working with aircraft or vehicle engines.
"When we get someone who's interested and they take the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, their mechanical scores are through the roof, and that's a great starting point," Barth said.
Prior to the Airmen holding the 300-by-150-foot flag, many of the recruiters interacted with potential recruits and other members of the public at an Air Force display, which included mock identification cards, a jet engine and the Air Force-sponsored No. 43 car.
"The NASCAR fan base as a whole loves the military, plain and simple," said Amy Stabler, a Winter Haven, Fla., citizen. "We always try to stop by the Air Force display at each race we go to. Even though I don't have any family members serving, it's still important for me to support our military and honor them the best I can. It's great to see them here."
Two notable people who visited the Air Force display before the race were Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Norton Schwartz and A.J. Allmendinger, the NASCAR driver for Air Force-sponsored No. 43 car.
Schwartz thanked Allmendinger for being there and representing the Air Force, before giving the oath of enlistment to a group of delayed entry program members.
The Air Force recruits approximately 9,000 people each year for mechanical jobs, including avionics specialists and crew chiefs.
