Get the word out: Staff Sgt. Justin Vergati, 604th Reserve Recruiting Flight, explains the benefits of the Air Force Reserve at the University of Phoenix Career Fair Oct. 5. We are all recruiters with the Air Force Reserve Command’s Get One Program. The 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 is successful because it introduces people to the benefits of the Air Force Reserve and allows them to work alongside others they know while serving the nation. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Can’t pick your family, pick your coworkers

Published Dec. 14, 2006
By Patti Schwab-Holloway
349th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AFB - Calif. -- How many times have we heard or even said 'Good help is hard to find'?
Now you are the answer to this age old problem and the Air Force Reserve Command wants to reward you when you utilize the 'Get One Now' program.
"Why not work a long side of people you know, like and trust?" said Technical Sgt. William Biddle, 604th Reserve Recruiting Flight Operating Location EA, recruiters for the 349th Air Mobility Wing
"That is the key to why this program is so successful; a win-win. This gives the power to the 349th member to pick their coworkers and help the Wing and the Air Force Reserve Command stay a quality force."
The 'Get One Now' program originated in 2001 and is exclusively an Air Force Reserve Command program. The idea mirrors many civilian companies in the same way that they give incentives to current employees when they recommend people to possibly become new hire employees.
"You have the unique opportunity to reach out to family, friends and coworkers who already know the benefits of serving from your experiences," said Sergeant Biddle. "Every one of us is a recruiter - and let's face it, people you know are going to listen and trust you over me every time," he chuckled
The program provides two types of incentives: one for referral and one for accession.
Referral Awards are based on military tradition, the 'Get One Now' awards are primarily commemorative coins. For every referral submitted, the Reservist receives a Referral Coin Award numbered one through ten, the number corresponding to the number of the referrals. Referrals may be accumulated over time. The 'Get One Now' program provides these coins for each referral whether or not the person actually enlists.
Referrals are cumulative for coin awarding purposes, but accessions are calculated by fiscal year to count toward the 'Top Performer' award.
The second type of incentive is the Accession Coin. These coins are fashioned after Commander's Coins and are awarded to Reservists when a referral turns into an accession. Coins are awarded for one through four accessions. The award for the fifth accession is a leather portfolio and pen and for the sixth accession you will be given a pair of pewter steins.
Accessions are counted within a fiscal year. For example, a Reserve member who has two referrals turn into accessions would receive Accession Awards one and two. But if the next accession falls in the next fiscal year, the Reservist receives Accession Award one again.
The easiest way to submit is by using the website: http://get1now.us or call 1-877-786-2372. Faxes and business cards submissions are no longer accepted for the 'Get One Now' program.
Information you provide will be used by the Air Force Reserve Recruiting offices only. Your information will never be sold, rented or distributed to any other branch of the military or third party.
Every year the Air Force Reserve honors 'Top Performers' who get the highest number of accessions. Awards are given to an individual and to the base or wing with the most accessions. Will you be the next winner?
For questions regarding the 'Get One Now' program vist: http://get1now.us.