Courtesy Photo | Tech Sgt. Alexis Yates, an Ohio Air National Guard recruiter, stands with a new...... read more read more
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Just a few years into her recruiting career, Tech. Sgt. Alexis Yates achieved something she never imagined — she enlisted more new Airmen than any other recruiter in the entire National Guard in fiscal year 2025.
In her eyes, enlisting 81 recruits wasn’t the real milestone. The true accomplishment lies in the trust she’s earned and the relationships she’s built along the way. Yates prides herself in being the kind of recruiter who makes people feel understood, supported and genuinely seen. Her success isn’t just the result of long hours and hard work, it’s rooted in her commitment to showing up authentically for every applicant who walks through her door.
Like most people, Yates was once a nervous high school student unsure about joining the military, and even more hesitant to take that first step of talking with a recruiter. But in 2017, she took a chance and enlisted as an electrician with the Ohio Air National Guard’s 200th Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineers (RED HORSE).
Her experience with her recruiter was far from what she expected; it was positive and he became a source of guidance and support for her throughout her career. This experience inspired the foundation for her recruiting philosophy, of recruiting through connection, honesty and genuine care.
“I try to make people feel as comfortable as possible when they come into my office,” said Yates. “My job isn’t to just enlist people into the Air National Guard; I think my job is to educate them about what the Air National Guard is and see if it best fits them.”
Since becoming a recruiter, Yates has found her footing and her passion. Over the last few years, she has consistently ranked in the top three recruiters for the state of Ohio, finally conquering that top spot this year.
“If someone's going to come in here and they’re trusting you to essentially sign them up for something that is going to be six plus years, they want to trust what you’re saying is true and that you want the best for them,” said Tech. Sgt. Rachel Brown, a production recruiter at the 178th Wing who has known Yates since they both were hired as recruiters. “(Yates) being so trustworthy, funny and personable, and just really caring about people, I think it makes every person that she enlists know that she’s there for them and is going to help them do everything in life that they’re hoping to achieve.”
Of course, it’s not only her charisma that carried her to success, but also her tremendous work ethic. Yates doesn’t limit herself to a traditional work schedule. She is committed to going above and beyond for her applicants and ensures she can talk or meet with them on their time. Yates gives every applicant a chance, she gives them honest information, puts their best interest first and is always transparent about expectations within the OHANG.
“I can’t just work a 9 to 5, I would never get anything done because high school students are very busy,” Yates said. “It takes a lot of commitment outside of the normal working hours to make sure I can get to everyone’s needs and work around their schedule.”
Aside from Yates’ impressive enlistment record, her impact is best demonstrated through the connections she makes with her applicants and her dedication to supporting the mission of the OHANG. There is a deeper level of mentorship and care that goes into becoming recruiter of the year. It takes personal investment, which she demonstrates with every individual she encounters.
“Being named recruiter of the year is a huge honor, because it recognizes more than just numbers, it’s the overall impact a recruiter has,” Yates said. “It reflects your ability to go above and beyond your role. It’s not just about how many people you enlist, but how well you support them through the process. It also shows how involved you are in the community, and how committed you are to the mission.”
Yates continues to challenge herself to become a better recruiter every day. Her success has come from her effort and willingness to always push herself outside of what feels comfortable.
“If someone wanted to excel in their career field the way I have, I would say to always show up to work with a positive mindset. It really sets the tone for your day,” Yates said. “I would always tell people to not be afraid to take the opportunities that take you outside your comfort zone, because being outside your comfort zone is where the most growth happens.”
In a profession where connection can be overlooked, Yates is the exception. She understands that the real trust is built in the in-between moments. It’s the small things, like asking about high school basketball games or a text returned after work hours. That’s what matters to her, because that’s what matters most to her applicants. Knowing her applicants better is how she learns what drives them and how she can better support them. To Yates, these moments aren’t extras, they’re essential. Relationships like these set her apart.
“She’s just very passionate about her job, and that's one of the reasons that she’s No. 1,” Brown said. “You can’t be number one and not be passionate about it.”
Yates didn’t set out to achieve the highest number of recruits — she set out to give every person an opportunity. While her 81 enlistments earned her recognition, it’s the relationships beyond those numbers that help define who she is as a recruiter.
| Date Taken: | 12.05.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 12.30.2025 16:09 |
| Story ID: | 555331 |
| Location: | OHIO, US |
| Web Views: | 45 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Recruiting redefined: Yates’ record year built on trust, by SSG Olivia Lauer, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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