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Recruiting right takes care of future Airmen, their families

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Lindsey
  • Air Force Recruiting Service Public Affairs
Few people like being made into an example, but Staff Sgt. James Bass does not mind. In fact, he kind of likes it because it represents what he loves about his service.

That service and Sergeant Bass' way of doing business gained prominence recently when the new commander of Air Education and Training Command highlighted the story of his efforts as an Air Force recruiter and later recognized him personally.

The 336th Recruiting Squadron NCO's story began with a mother's letter of gratitude.

Jennifer Safford, the mother of a recent basic training graduate, wrote to Sergeant Bass' commander to share how impressed she was with the recruiter's professionalism. Ms. Safford said that although she initially opposed her daughter's decision to enlist, Sergeant Bass (assigned to the Summerville, S.C., recruiting office) shared his confidence in her daughter's decision to join those who serve in the world's greatest air and space force.

Ms. Safford's reaction to her 19-year-old daughter's decision to enlist was not unusual, Sergeant Bass said. Parents, concerned for their child's future, commonly question recruiter honesty and voice concerns about enlistment as though recruiters are leading recent high school graduates away from pursuing a higher education.

"I support the military, but when it came to my daughter enlisting, I worried," said Ms. Safford, a high school administrator's assistant, of her daughter, Tiffany Sharp. "Sergeant Bass was kind, respected my feelings and gave me assurance that Tiffany was making a good decision."

Familiar with the drill, Sergeant Bass answered the concerned mother's many questions and spoke openly about Air Force life with not only Ms. Safford, but also Ms. Sharp's brother and sister. The recruiter had to wait for some answers, such as those about the job Ms. Sharp selected, because the recruit was still on a waiting list for the Air Force specialty. While waiting for those answers, the sergeant explained the Air Force job booking process and continually reassured the worried mother. He also worked with the future Airman, preparing her physically and mentally for basic training as he does for all his recruits in the Delayed Entry Program.

Sergeant Bass' dedication and attention did not end when Ms. Sharp shipped off to basic training and became "Airman Recruit Sharp."

Sergeant Bass maintained contact with Ms. Safford while her daughter attended basic, shared insights about the training and answered additional questions. Following the recruiter's advice, Ms. Safford was in the stands at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, during her daughter's graduation ceremony, ready to be the first person to give the now Airman Basic Tiffany Sharp a congratulatory hug.

"I personally hope that all recruiters would be able to care for the families like that because it means so much," Ms. Safford said. "The relationship that it builds is important. You never know how it could help later."

Proud of her daughter's achievement, Ms. Safford wrote a detailed letter to Lt. Col. Richard Van Hook, the commander of the 336th Recruiting Squadron, sharing her appreciation for Sergeant Bass' job performance.

The letter didn't stop with the squadron commander. Colonel Van Hook forwarded the letter to Brig. Gen. Alfred J. Stewart, Air Force Recruiting Service commander, who then shared it with Gen. Stephen R. Lorenz, the commander of Air Education and Training Command.

The general was impressed at how the recruiter's actions represented the professionalism of Airmen every day as they uphold the Air Force's focus on taking care of Airmen and their families. He shared this sentiment as an example of doing things right in his speech after accepting command of AETC in a ceremony July 2.

Airman Sharp will be an aircraft armament systems apprentice at Whiteman AFB, Mo. She plans to help Sergeant Bass for a few weeks following technical school graduation through the Recruiter Assistance Program, which will also give her time to be with her family before she heads to her first assignment as a B-2 Spirit weapons load crewmember. 

And, to her mother's delight, Airman Sharp's training so far has earned her about 24 credits toward her associate's degree through the world's largest community college: the Community College of the Air Force.

Following up with parents and keeping them informed is an important part of recruiting that benefits all involved, the future Airmen, their loved ones and recruiters, Sergeant Bass said.

"I check on them because I'm a part of their community," the sergeant said. "They put their trust in me as a part of that community and in turn, it becomes a force multiplier for me."

In return, Sergeant Bass maintains a strong Delayed Entry Program, acquires helpers through the Recruiter Assistance Program and gains referrals from influential members of the community.

"Doing 'right' goes along with recruiting the right skills, at the right time, along with the right numbers," said Chief Master Sgt. Vance Clarke, the Air Force Recruiting Service command chief. "I believe this story bears out that 'staying the high road' and doing the right thing will always prevail."

By taking care of future Airmen and their families, recruiters ensure the mission will be completed with perfection, the chief said.

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