Recruiting service names Blue Suit winners

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RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas (AFPN) --  The Air Force Recruiting Service recently recognized the fiscal 2003 winners of Operation Blue Suite XXV. The program recognizes the Air Force's top recruiters worldwide.

"This is the first time I've received a Blue Suit award," said Tech. Sgt. Scott J. Wealton, from the 368th Recruiting Squadron in Roy, Utah. "You go about your daily job and don't know if anyone recognizes what you do, and then you receive an award like this. It's really an honor."

Operation Blue Suit was initiated in 1979 to stimulate production in critical Air Force recruiting programs. Originally designed to enhance enlisted recruiting efforts during the traditional crunch months of February through May, the program proved so successful it was expanded over the years. Blue Suit now annually recognizes the top 12 enlisted and officer accessions recruiters from among nearly 1,800 recruiters worldwide.

The winners were nominated from their assigned recruiting groups and selected by a board based upon their performance meeting assigned recruiting goals, leadership and other professional qualities.

"These 12 recruiters did an outstanding job," said Brig. Gen. Edward A. Rice Jr., AFRS commander. "Their combined efforts put 411 new airmen and 53 health professions officers in a blue suit this past year."

In addition to Wealton, the other Blue Suit winners are:

Tech. Sgt. Bruno J. Pell II, 311th RCS, Middleburg Heights, Ohio; Staff Sgt. William N. Malcom, 313th RCS, Tonowanda, N.Y.; Staff Sgt. Jason P. Maloney, 318th RCS, Newark, Del.; Staff Sgt. Shawn E. Branum, 330th RCS, Fort Wayne, Ind.; Master Sgt. Gregory A. Richmond, 332nd RCS, Knoxville, Tenn.; Staff Sgt. Richard L. Blankenship Jr., 332nd RCS, Hoover, Ala.; Staff Sgt. David P. Demeter, 343rd RCS, Cedar Rapids, Iowa; Staff Sgt. Jason M. Tag, 344th RCS, Arlington, Texas; Master Sgt. Gary R. Mowry, 349th RCS, Fort Smith, Ark.; Tech. Sgt. Chris F. Williams, 362nd RCS, San Francisco; and Tech. Sgt. Ace E. Apodaca, 367th RCS, Aurora, Colo.

AFRS officials will honor the Blue Suit winners and their spouses during a number of events in San Antonio the week of Oct. 6. (Courtesy of Air Force Recruiting Service)