349th Wing produces AFRC Rookie of the Year, Get One Top Performer

  • Published
  • By Patti Schwab-Holloway
  • 349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The Air Force Reserve reached its recruiting goal for 2007 topping 8,000 people in August, and Tech. Sgt. Sean Watson, 349th Recruiting Service, Travis Air Force Base, Calif., helped make that happen by reaching a career production average of 216.67 percent.

Sergeant Watson, a prior Army Platoon Sergeant, who entered the Air Force Reserve in June 2005 with a job in Integrated Avionics, came to recruiting in September 2006. His hard work and dedication were lauded this past October when he was named the AFRC "Recruiting Rookie of the Year for fiscal year 2007" at the AFRC Recruiting Service's Annual Awards Banquet, Savannah Ga.

"It's because of you, our field recruiters, production managers, and fine support staff that we're once again successful." Col. Francis M. Mungavin, Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service commander.

Sergeant Watson explained that the key to his recruiting success is that he takes the time to get to know each person individually, and more importantly, answers their questions honestly.

"I find myself, not having to recruit the members - they are ready to go - but having to recruit their families," said Sergeant Watson. "I make sure I talk to the parents, the spouses, even friends. They are the ones who usually are saying 'I am not sure about this' - but I find that after I address any concerns, give them the opportunity to "grill" me - they become, not only supportive, but they actually become enthusiastic."

This is the seventh consecutive year Air Force Reserve Command Recruiting Service has surpassed its goals, an achievement unmatched by any other reserve component.

"Sergeant Watson is a phenomenal troop," said Senior Master Sgt. William Lane, 349th AMW Senior Recruiter. "He does quality work - he deserves to be recognized and we are proud to have him on our team."

The most important element in the success of recruiting is teamwork, and Senior Master Sgt. Fe Cubacha, 349th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron, is a principal player on that team.

Sergeant Cubacha likes her job so much she continues to reach out to the community and share her passion for the Reserve. Her efforts have not gone unnoticed; she was awarded the Air Force Reserve Command's 'Get One' Top Performer award for fiscal year 2004 and tied for 5th place this year.

AFRC's Get One Program encourages reservists to refer family, friends and coworkers, who may be interested in joining the Air Force Reserve, to local recruiters. Recruiters say the program introduces people to the benefits of the Air Force Reserve and allows them to work alongside others they know while serving their country.

If you would like to know more about how you can help with recruiting visit the AFRC RS web site at: www.afreserve.com or if you would like more information on the 'Get One Now' program visit: get1now.us or contact the 349th Recruiting office at (707) 424-3111. (Air Force Reserve Command News Service contributed to this story.)