Delayed Entry Program members tour base

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Megan P. Lyon
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs Office
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  Eleven members of the Nampa, Idaho, Delayed Entry Program and one Airman on the Recruiters Assistance Program, visited the base April 25 for a first-hand look at what it means to be a Gunfighter at Mountain Home Air Force Base and an Airman in today's Air Force.

The group visited the 389th Aircraft Maintenance Unit, flightline, dormitories, Gunfighter Fitness Center, 366th Security Forces Squadron, base exchange, jet propulsion shops and the hospital as well as speaking with the 366th Fighter Wing's command chief master sergeant, Chief Master Sgt. Allen Niksich.

"These are great young men and women who have the potential to be an effective member of the Air Force," said Tech. Sgt. Shanda Moon, 368th Recruiting Squadron recruiter. "I love that I get to work with these outstanding young people who to want to [join the Air Force to] better themselves and serve their country."

Individuals who enlist in the DEP become members of the Air Force Inactive Reserve until they leave for basic training. The tour gave the enlistees an opportunity to see what the Air Force offers, as many have no military exposure.

"It's great to be able to see the day-to-day workings on an active duty base," said Airman 1st Class Matthew Schauer, a recent technical school graduate who visited the base as part of his RAP duties with his wife, Jasmine, a DEP member.

"I don't have a guaranteed job yet," said Mrs. Schauer. "This tour gave me the chance to see the various jobs the Air Force has to offer."

During the tour, Sergeant Moon bumped into an old acquaintance, Airman 1st Class William Anderson, 366th Component Maintenance Squadron propulsion mechanic. Last year Airman Anderson went on the base tour as part of the DEP. He is now stationed here in the same Aerospace Propulsion shop he got to tour the previous year.

"Last year when I was here for the tour I wasn't really thinking about this career field," said Airman Anderson. "I ended up talking to one of the sergeants in the shop who was a former training instructor. His advice really helped me during basic training."

Airman Anderson wasn't the only familiar face Sergeant Moon ran into. While touring the 366th SFS with the DEP members, she met up with Airman Travis Oswald, 366th SFS patrolman, who was also recruited by Sergeant Moon.

"Both are outstanding young men with great work ethics," said Sergeant Moon. "It just shows that any one of these young people [on the tour] could be the next Airman in your unit."