Reserve wing holds enlistment ceremony at Punkin Chunkin

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Veronica Aceveda
  • 512th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 512th Airlift Wing conducted an enlistment ceremony during the World Championship Punkin Chunkin Opening Ceremony Saturday in Bridgeville, Del.

On stage at an event, which attracted thousands, the Dover Air Force Base Honor Guard presented the colors, and 2nd Lt. Adara Scholl, 436th AW, sang the national anthem.

The military ceremony featured two recruits reciting the oath of enlistment, signifying the start of their Air Force Reserve career in the Liberty Wing. A reservist already serving in the 512th AW also raised his right hand to re-enlist.

Recruit Zachary Ellis is slated to become a C-5M loadmaster and Recruit Anthony Green will be assigned as an aerial porter. Tech. Sgt. Christopher Hunsiker, is a logistics plans technician, who signed an enlistment contract for six years.

"Even though there is budgetary uncertainty in the Department of Defense, the important mission of the Air Force Reserve at Dover requires that we continue to recruit," said Col. Raymond A. Kozak, 512th AW commander. "There is still plenty of opportunity in the 512th Airlift Wing."

The 1,800-member unit is expected to grow to more than 1,925 by the end of the year. The wing is especially looking to hire for two undermanned career fields, flight engineer and explosive ordnance disposal technician.

Enlisting into the Air Force Reserve is similar to enlisting in the active-duty Air Force. Reservists receive many of the same benefits as the active-duty Air Force but have the flexibility to train and serve near home, attend college full time or maintain a civilian career.

In the Delmarva Peninsula, anyone interested in serving in one of the wing's many career fields, can call Tech. Sgt. Gerale R. Baker Jr. at (302) 677-6912.