PACE — Air Force recruiter Tech. Sgt. Matthew Benenhaley recently celebrated his one-man recruiting office’s first year anniversary.
“We actually reopened the office in November 2018,” Benenhaley said.
The Pace office was closed in early 2016 after USAF personnel cut-backs in 2014, Benehaley said.
“Word has definitely gotten out,” Benenhaley said, adding that he averages three to five enlistments a month at the Pace office. “My favorite part of this job is changing the lives of the people I deal with. Changing their lives for the better.”
Since reopening the recruiter gets help from a larger USAF recruiting offices in Pensacola, Crestview and the occasional Recruiter Assistance Program participant.
The Recruiter Assistance Program is designed to allow USAF members to work with recruiters by returning to their hometowns and providing personal testimonials, assisting in obtaining school lists, participating in Center of Influence events, Delayed Entry Program, Commander’s Calls, and performing other recruiting-related tasks.
Benenhaley said he likes working with RAP assignees because they have just completed their basic training and they know the area and still have friends that may not have started a plan for their future.
Benenhaley said the USAF is looking highly qualified, motivated individuals. Benenhaley’s office only deals with regular active duty enlistees. However, he can direct you to the appropriate office to enlist for the USAF Reserves, United States Space Force, or USAF officer programs.
The earliest an enlistee can join is at the age of 17, with parental permission. The maximum age is 36 years for regular enlistment.
If you are interested in the USAF, contact Tech. Sgt. Matthew Benenhaley at 850-995-1320.
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosas Press Gazette: Air Force recruiting office celebrates anniversary