EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska - The 168th Wing’s annual Bring-a-Buddy day is Sunday, May 5th on Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska from 9:00 a.m. to noon.
This is a recruiting event that gives those interested in joining the Air National Guard access to the base for a shop to shop tour. Participants will have the opportunity to experience the hands-on jobs of the Air National Guard and ask questions about each section. Lunch will be provided.
Airman Victoria Saxe, a dental hygienist with the 168th Medical Group, attended Bring-A-Buddy in 2017 when she was a senior in high school. She enlisted with the wing at age 17, beginning her career in the dental field.
“On the tour the Airmen gave good descriptions on what to expect during drill weekends,” Saxe said. “It opened my eyes on how the guard functions.”
When Saxe returned from basic military training and technical training, where she received college credits toward her civilian degree, she received hands-on training from professional medical providers. Not only is she paid for the time she works with the guard, she is also eligible for tuition assistance to help pay for college. Saxe starts her prerequisites at the University of Alaska, Anchorage in the fall.
“Being in the guard sets me apart when I’m applying for programs like the one at UAA,” Saxe said. “I will have a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene when I graduate and will already have years of hands on experience.”
Staff Sgt. Elysia Wilson, a recruiter with the 168th Wing, said this tour is a great opportunity to explore all of your options in the Air National Guard.
“Bring-A-Buddy is a great opportunity to see if this line of work is something you would like to pursue and to meet the amazing people you could work with,” said Wilson. “It is important to see all of your options because you might learn about a job that you never knew about or considered.”
If a recruit finds an interest in a specific shop, they will have the opportunity to do a one-on-one tour with their recruiter before they pick their job.
“If you are wondering if you should join the Air National Guard, you don’t want to miss this opportunity to get a head start on your future,” Saxe said.