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333rd RCS, Cleveland Indians take it to the field

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Mark Getsy
  • 333rd Recruiting Squadron
WINTER HAVEN, Fla. --  Air Force personnel and "future" Airmen took to the field March 18 to help celebrate a Major League Base Spring Training Military Appreciation Day with a game between the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers at Chain of Lakes Park.

Members of the 333rd Recruiting Squadron, based out of Central Florida, participated in the game. The squadron of more than 120 people is responsible for recruiting new Air Force officers and enlisted members from Central and Southern Florida as well as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Highlighting the day's events was a Delayed Entry Program swear-in ceremony for 15 young men and women who are prepared to join the ranks of Air Force Airmen. Lt. Col. Michael Tillema, squadron commander, administered the oath of enlistment.

"This was my first time participating in a swear-in ceremony at such a prestigious event, and in front of so many people," the colonel said. "It was a great honor for me, and even a greater honor to have these future Airmen recognized in front of so many people."

The feeling of pride was also felt by one of the individuals enlisting into the Air Force.

"I was very happy to have been part of the ceremony," said Matthew Perroux, Delayed Entry Program member. "It was an awesome experience and I would love to participate in another one if I could." The DEP member went on to say that he looks forward to volunteering for future events like the upcoming MacDill Air Show and Lakeland's Sun 'N' Fun Air Show.

Participating in the game's events was also special for another recruiting squadron member who is a native of Cleveland. Master Sgt. Bruno Pell, 333rd RCS Officer Accessions flight chief, had the opportunity to throw out the game's ceremonial first pitch.
"I'm a huge Cleveland Indians fan," he said. "It was awesome ... like a dream come true. It's not every day you get to throw out the first pitch for your favorite team in front of thousands of fans."

In addition to the swear-in ceremony and first-pitch honors, recruiters set up an Air Force display and had the opportunity to speak with fans interested in the Air Force throughout the day.

The spring training game is only one of many venues the 333rd RCS recruiters participate in throughout the year. They represent the Air Force at other major events, including air shows, major sporting events, Monster Jam, Supercross and career fairs. Just recently, the squadron paticipated in Super Bowl XLI held in Miami.