Photo By Staff Sgt. Jacob Hancock | U.S. Air Force Col. David R. Siemion, acting commander of the 125th Fighter Wing,...... read more read more
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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Eight new recruits took a major step into military service May 22 as they raised their right hands and joined the Florida Air National Guard during a mass enlistment ceremony at the 125th Fighter Wing.
Presided over by U.S. Air Force Col. David Siemion, deputy commander of the 125th Fighter Wing, the ceremony welcomed both first-time enlistees beginning their Air Force journeys and experienced service members transferring into Florida’s ranks. Together, they represent the future of the Florida ANG, a force growing in both strength and technical capability.
“These men and women are joining at a pivotal moment in our nation’s defense,” Siemion said. “Each one is stepping into a field that directly strengthens our warfighting edge—cyber, space operations, fifth-generation aircraft maintenance, medical readiness, security forces and recruiting. This is how we stay lethal. This is how we stay ready.”
The ceremony, coordinated by the Florida ANG recruiting and retention command, is part of a new quarterly initiative designed to connect new members with their gaining units and leadership from day one. Family members and loved ones were invited to witness the enlistment oath and then toured the base to learn more about the wing’s mission and heritage. Since its establishment in 1947, the Florida ANG has been protecting the homeland and supporting Florida’s citizens through both federal and state missions.
U.S. Air Force Capt. Jared Cannon, officer in charge of recruiting and retention for the Florida ANG, noted these ceremonies are about building connections from day one, both for brand-new recruits and seasoned transfers.
“We’re recruiting from both ends of the spectrum,” Cannon said. “Some of these Airmen are stepping into a uniform for the first time, while others are coming to us with years of service and deep operational experience. What unites them is the mission—and the opportunity to contribute to something bigger than themselves.”
Florida’s recruiting numbers are currently among the strongest in the nation, with consistent interest in high-tech and high-impact fields. Cyber defense and space operations are among the most in-demand specialties, while the transition to the F-35A Lightning II at the 125th Fighter Wing creates focus on recruiting into weapons and aircraft maintenance.
One of the new enlistees, Carter Holy of Satellite Beach, Florida, who will enter the advanced fighter aircraft integrated avionics career field, said joining the ANG felt like the right way to serve, offering the perfect balance between military service and hands-on technical growth.
“I’ve always wanted to serve my country. My family has a history of service in the military and the Air National Guard,” Holy said. “My lifelong desire is to eventually become a pilot, and I believe the opportunity to work alongside our pilots as an aircraft avionics technician can push me to success.”
In addition to new recruits, the Florida ANG is also bringing in experienced talent from across the nation, including former active-duty members and transfers from other Guard units.
Master Sgt. Blaise Stanhope, who transferred from the Texas Air National Guard, officially joined the 125th Security Forces Squadron during the ceremony. A seasoned defender with multiple overseas deployments, Stanhope brings operational depth to the base’s law enforcement and force protection mission.
“After 18 years of combined service in active duty and the Air National Guard, it’s an honor to continue my journey with the 125th Fighter Wing here in Jacksonville,” Stanhope said. “As a ground combat training instructor, my mission has always been to train, lead, and prepare Airmen for whatever lies ahead. This move isn’t just about me—it’s about being where I can bring the most value. I’m proud to bring my experience and dedication to this new team, and I’m ready to get to work protecting the mission, the base, and our people.”
Cannon emphasized that the Guard’s ability to attract both new and seasoned Airmen is key to maintaining readiness across Florida’s expanding missions.
“We’re building a balanced force—mentors and mentees, technical experts and rising stars,” Cannon said. “It’s not just about growing our numbers; it’s about growing the right team for the challenges ahead.”
As each new Airman was welcomed into their unit, they also received an overview of the Guard’s dual state and federal missions, highlighting their role in both overseas operations and domestic emergency response. For many, it was the first glimpse into the broader impact they’ll have as members of the ANG.
“We stay ahead by investing in our people,” said Siemion. “We build the future one Airman at a time in the premier fighter wing right here in Florida.”
With missions ranging from homeland defense to global operations, the Florida ANG continues to grow its force, one enlistment at a time. To learn more about how to join the Florida Air National Guard, visit www.125fw.ang.af.mil/Careers/
| Date Taken: | 06.04.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 06.04.2025 14:47 |
| Story ID: | 499663 |
| Location: | JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA, US |
| Web Views: | 103 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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