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WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. - Despite some short-staffing issues, the 106th Rescue Wing New York Air National Guard Recruiting and Retention office met their annual recruiting goal -- and beat out eight other Northeastern states to win the regional Patriot Team Award for Fiscal Year 2015.
Although the team is manned at 75 percent, it was the second year in a row they managed to achieve their recruiting objective.
The success of the staff is due to their mutual respect, and the fact that they've streamlined aspects of enlistment, said Master Sgt. Matthew Repp, manager and supervisor of the Recruiting and Retention Office.
"We do everything, soup to nuts in our office," Repp said of the approach they use to smooth recruits' transition into the Air National Guard.
Traditionally, recruiting offices have sworn in newcomers and escorted them to various offices to handle administrative details.
"We took it upon ourselves to better educate ourselves on the processes," he said. "It's all on us to make it a quick and smooth change. We don't have to wait on other offices to complete their roles, as they have other duties, too."
The recruiting office completes security clearances for new members, financial packages so they receive appropriate allowances, and medical clearances.
Medical clearances often require trips to New York City and New Jersey, and the arduous steps involved in getting a new recruit in the door to completing basic training demands many man hours, and can be stressful for recruiters and their families.
Many career and recruiting events take place on holidays and weekends, said Master Sgt. Laurie Perno, the recruiting and retention manager.
"Sometimes the day starts at 3 a.m. and ends at 5 p.m.," Perno said. "When you get home you're exhausted, but you still have a family to take care of,
and you're still 'Mom.'"
In addition to recruiting, Perno handles the retention of unit members.
"She's grabbing the bull by the horns and working hard to develop a program to retain our qualified airman in the Guard," Repp said. "She's ensuring our airman are receiving all their educational benefits and seeing to it they
meet their career goals."
Though recruiting goals are competitive and demanding, Repp said the Recruiting and Retention office staff identifies strengths in one another and leverages those talents to benefit the whole team.
While some recruits are familiar with the Air Force, they're not familiar with military life. Prior to basic training, recruits become part of Student Flight so they can learn Air Force culture, build camaraderie, and become familiar with wing operations.
Tech. Sgt. Katie White, recognized within the office as a high-speed go-getter, leads Student Flight. Along with her regular duties as a recruiter, White's toughness and tenacity made her a good fit to work with new recruits, according to Repp and Perno.
"She will hold the students to a certain standard that doesn't relent, and they need those stepping stones when they go to boot camp," Repp said.
Though not all Air Force recruits complete basic training, White's efforts have resulted in a 95 percent basic training completion rate for the 106th
Rescue Wing.
Staff Sgt. Christopher Gee, primarily a Battlefield Airman recruiter, has found his niche in marketing, according to Repp. Gee has considerable input on how to allocate recruiting and advertising funds, he added.
In July, Gee established the largest Battlefield Airman-focused recruiting event in New York Air National Guard history at the Ironman Triathlon held in Lake Placid, New York.
The triathlon attracted some 30,000 attendees, many suited to the mental and physical rigors required of Special Operations. Gee ensured he utilized the advertising
budget to maximum effect, unmatched by any other recruiting office in New York.
Staff Sgt. Joseph Cacoperdo, the newest addition to the Recruiting and Retention office, is diligently defining his role as a junior enlisted recruiter, said Repp.
"He does a lot of volunteer work and is heavily involved with his community," Repp said. "He projects a good image of the Air National Guard and the 106th Rescue Wing with his volunteerism, and that benefits the Guard
as a whole."
"With this recruiting team everyone brings a different dynamic to the office," said Perno. "We mesh well together."
"They all embrace their roles, move forward, and master them," Repp said.
"It works well for us."
The 106th Rescue Wing Recruiting and Retention office is now vying for the national-level Patriot Team Award. The winner will be announced in April 2016.
| Date Taken: | 01.12.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 01.12.2016 10:52 |
| Story ID: | 186104 |
| Location: | WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY, US |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Recruiters find right mix to max goals, by MSgt Monica Dalberg, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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