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200 recruits sworn in at Texas Rangers game

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Dustin Beard
  • 344th Recruiting Squadron commander
ARLINGTON, Texas - --  Two hundred Air Force recruits swore into the Delayed Enlistment Program in front of a crowd of more than 45,000 Texas Ranger fans at a baseball game July 4.

The DEP oath was administered by Lt. Col. Brett Ashworth, 344th Recruiting Squadron commander, at a Texas Rangers baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles as part of a partnership with the Texas Rangers.

"This was a great day for the United States Air Force, the 344th Recruiting Squadron, and these future Airmen," said Ashworth. "It was an amazing sight with our DEPpers lining the first and third base lines all the way from home plate to the outfield. It's a day these DEPpers will remember the rest of their lives."

Ashworth also thanked the crowd for their support and honoring deployed servicemembers. After the DEP swear-in, Ashworth threw the ceremonial first pitch of the game.

"We have been working with the Rangers for 25 years now, and this was definitely the biggest and best event we've had," said Tech. Sgt. Dustin Beard, 344th RCS marketing noncommissioned officer. "The Rangers are great supporters of the military and our squadron, and we look forward to continuing this relationship."

During the 7th inning, Ashworth gave a live interview to Fox Sports Southwest in which he highlighted the importance of the day to the Air Force and the 200 future Airmen. He also thanked the Texas Rangers and Major League Baseball for their support of the military.

"Just having the opportunity to represent the United States Air Force and seeing the support from all of the people in the stands on this special day was something I'll never forget," Ashworth said.

In honor of the DEP ceremony, a formation of Air Force F-16s performed a flyover prior to the game as 25 344th RCS recruiters held the U.S. flag in the outfield. Master Sgt. Frankie Mach, 334th RCS flight chief, was also recognized for his upcoming retirement and two Air Force mini-jet airplanes were displayed on the field prior to the game.