Recruiting Begins at Home

It starts at home!

Even though my mandatory retirement date is in 2013, in December 2008, after a wonderful traditional career in the Air National Guard, I am losing my position in mission support with the 162nd Fighter Wing due to the Air Guard reset effort.

The Air Guard recognizes that our core competency is flying and the realignment is toward that effort.

Speaking of flying, my son, call sign "Fokker," is a new F-22 Raptor pilot. I hope that the money saved by the reset will be used to aid positions like my son's.

How did my son become an F-22 pilot. It starts at home. We noticed when Fokker was young that he was very interested in flying and, specifically, military aircraft. I built him gliders, then radio-controlled aircraft and, finally, he got a private-pilot's license.

I obtained my pilot's license in 1976. We would spend time flying together and talking about possible careers in the military and what was required to be successful. And when his chance came, he was extremely well prepared to enter the reserves as an officer. My point is simple: Do your kids, neighbors or friends show an interest in the military? If so, you can help nurture, counsel, and share with them your military experiences, and pass on wisdom for their success.

If you do this, you will know the joy and pride we feel when they far exceed your own career or expectations. Recruiting the next generation of Air National Guardsmen starts at home.

Lt. Col. Michael A. Stirber

Arizona Air National Guard

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