New recruits make commitment at Sun-N-Fun Air Show

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Benjamin Russell
  • 333rd Recruiting Squadron
Lakeland, Fla. (AFNS) --  Eighteen new recruits recited the oath of enlistment at the Sun-N-Fun Air Show at Lakeland, Fla., April 17.

Lt. Col. Chase Cunningham, U.S. Air Force Air Demonstration Squadron "Thunderbirds" commander, administered the oath of enlistment in front of about 60,000 patriotic onlookers. The oath is a solemn vow all Armed Forces recruits take, dedicating their commitment to their nation.

"I decided to join the Air Force two years ago at the Sun-N-Fun Air Show when the Thunderbirds were here last," said Ryan Gangi, one of the Air Force's newest Delayed Entry Program members. "Now I am standing here swearing in and ready to head off to basic training as soon as I graduate from high school. I didn't want to go to college. My plan has always been to join the Air Force and now it is a reality."

Tech. Sgt. Michelle Bachmeier, 333rd Recruiting Squadron recruiter, said Mr. Gangi is one of her most dedicated DEP members.

"I'm proud of him and the decision he has made to serve his country," she added.

Airmen engage in community events like air shows to raise public awareness about America's Air Force and to help Air Force recruiters fulfill their mission to recruit high quality men and women.

"Events like this not only give the general public an opportunity to see what the Air Force does but also help to motivate young men and women to join the world's greatest air, space and cyber force," said Senior Master Sgt. Mark Spivak, 333rd RCS senior trainer.

The annual air show included showcase performances by the Thunderbirds, an Air Force C-17 Globemaster III,  a Navy F/A-18 Hornet demonstration team and the U.S. Army Screaming Eagles Jump Team. A KC-135 Stratotanker, F-16 Fighting Falcon, C-130 Hercules and an A-10 Thunderbolt were among the aircraft on static display.