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Air Force enlists 120 in front of 55,000 Texas baseball fans

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Michael Stephens
  • 344th Recruiting Squadron
ARLINGTON, Texas --  The Air Force took over Ameriquest Stadium July 4 as 120 Delayed Entry Program recruits were sworn in by Col. Daniel Woolever, 369th Recruiting Group Commander, before a sellout crowd prior to the Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers baseball game.

As 55,000 fans looked on, the 301st Fighter Wing Honor Guard from Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base from Forth Worth, performed in centerfield and a B-52 from the 2nd Bomb Wing at Barksdale AFB, La., conducted a flyover during the national anthem.
The event was one of the highlights of the year for both the recruits and the recruiters, said Lt. Col. Michael Stephens, 344th Recruiting Squadron commander. 

"We're thankful to the Texas Rangers organization for supporting the Air Force and providing the opportunity for these young men and women to publicly state their commitment to defending their country in front of their families," said Stephens. 

The ceremony gives the public a chance to witness Air Force customs and courtesies up close, according to Master Sgt. Wade Trahan, 344th Recruiting Squadron's marketing NCO.

"It's always exciting to be able to bring that many people into the world's greatest Air Force," said Woolever, "They are the future of the Air Force. We have some difficult challenges ahead and when you see that level of enthusiasm and pride in each of their eyes, you know the Air Force will be in good hands."