Airshow brings Air Force career opportunities

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Kaleb Snay
  • 14th Flying Training Wing
COLUMBUS AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. --  Big events like Airshows often attract thousands of people from all around. It's the perfect opportunity for an Air Force recruiter to spread the word and introduce people to the U.S. Air Force life.

At Columbus Air Force Base's recent Wings Over Columbus Open House and Air Show, Senior Airman Amanda Scott, Columbus Miss. Air Force Recruiter, had her chance to tell the community about how the Air Force is more than just "Flying Planes."

"I meet a lot of people that are not educated on what the Air Force or military does in general," said Scott. "Many people tend to assume everyone in the Air Force flies planes. So when they come to an Airshow like this they get amped up and come to me saying 'hey I want to join!'That's when I let them know what we do."

Although Sunday's Airshow was closed early because of unfavorable weather, both days turned out to be great recruiting opportunities.

"Airshows are big for us recruiters; it's not only great for the whole community but it's a great way to get information out about the Air Force and plant those seeds for recruiting," said Tech. Sgt. Christopher Randall, Jackson Miss. Air Force Recruiter. "With an estimated 45,000 people attending the airshow, I would say our Air Force will be expecting a great number of new personnel in the near future."

Typically an Air Force recruiter will see many high school students come by with their families interested in having a future career in the military, said Randall.

"Things like the thunderbirds and recruiting go hand in hand," said Randall. "A lot of people come out in support and experience what the air force does."

Ever since the Air show was announced, Scott has been spreading the new both on and off duty.

"Everytime I went grocery shopping, I would let people know, hey the airshow soon," said Scott. "The airshow went great, I feel like everyone enjoyed their time. Saturday was packed. This was a great event to strengthen our community ties, and I can't wait until the next one."