931st tops AFRC in accessioned referrals

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- The recruiters who supply the 931st Air Refueling Group with new Airmen have a lot of help in accomplishing their mission.

931st Airmen referred 25 new Air Force Reserve members in fiscal year 2010 through the Get1 program, accounting for 16 percent of the organization's new accessions. The 931st received the Get1 award from the Recruiting Service for topping the command in accessioned referrals last month.

According to Master Sgt. Roy Blanchard, assistant senior recruiter, for the 931st Air Refueling Group and the 507th Air Refueling Wing at Tinker Air Force Base, the 931st ARG is the most active organization in providing referrals that has seen in seven years as a recruiter.

"I would have to say it's the quality of life at the organization. If you don't have Airmen who are satisfied with what they're doing, if they don't like their job, they're not going to be likely to recommend them. We have a lot of influencers at the 931st and they project that."

Air Force Reserve members can refer potential recruits to the recruiting service by contacting the recruiter with the individuals' contact information or by logging onto the Get1Now website at www.Get1Now.us .

Airmen who refer a friend or family member that joins the Air Force Reserve receive rewards from the Recruiting Service. Once the recruiting service receives the referral, the recruiters guide the individual through the accession process. Because of the high goals for operating locations, referrals from Reserve members greatly enhance recruiters' ability to accomplish their mission.

"Recruiters can't be everywhere at once, so it's easier when you have the backing the wing or the group out there helping us put the word out there that the Air Force Reserve is a great organization," said Sergeant Blanchard.

Staff Sgt. Brad Enochs, assistant security forces action officer, 931st Security Forces Squadron has referred eight new Airmen in the past two years. His efforts have not gone unrewarded, as Sergeant Enochs has received name brand sunglasses, two ABU deployment bags, a digital video recorder, computer speakers and an iPod for identifying and referring new members through the Get1 program.

"The Get1 program is a great way to bring high quality people into the service and gain free stuff in the process," said Sergeant Enochs. "When I speak to people about the Air Force Reserve, I tell them it's a great way to accomplish your school while continuing to serve. I think they see how much I enjoy my job and that sells them on the Air Force Reserve."