The Bag Dragger. Blue Suit XXX Blue Suit Keeps Getting Better. Blue Suit History how it all started. Air Force Recruiting Alumni Association

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1 The Bag Dragger Air Force Recruiting Alumni Association Keeping America Strong by Supporting the Air Force Recruiting Service Mission Volume 1, Issue 1 March, 2009 Blue Suit XXX Blue Suit Keeps Getting Better INSIDE THIS ISSUE: How can you help? Become a member of our Association Come to the Reunion, 25/26 September 2009 Page AFRAA President 2 Message to members Blue Suit 3 History (Cont) Blue Suit XXX (Cont) 4 Tricare Costs 3 Sen Lieberman responds RS Reorganization 5 (not the first time) Blue Suit XXX 6 activities and 7 CMSAF Airey 7 (In memorium) Tell us what is going where you live Share items of interest (State Vet Benefits, VA Issues, Money Issues, etc.) Get involved. For the last 30 fiscal years, select Air Force recruiters have earned top honors in their field as Operation Blue Suit winners for their efforts recruiting a diverse, high-quality volunteer force to fill career fields critical to the Air Force in accomplishing its missions. The highly-coveted Air Force Recruiting Service recognition program began in 1979 to help bolster production in critical recruiting programs. The competition was originally designed to enhance enlisted recruiting efforts during the traditionally slow months of February through May. It proved so successful that officials expanded it to include officer accessions recruiting programs. Nominated by their recruiting groups, winners are selected based on their performance in meeting assigned recruiting goals, Continued on page 4 Blue Suit History how it all started After Recruiting Service missed its annual goal in FY 1979, Major General Bill Acker, the RS Commander at the time, sought a way to reward and recognize RS s Top Recruiters, and motivate the whole command. While playing golf at Oak Hills Country Club, he mentioned his ideas to Mr. Bill Langley. Mr. Langley owned North Park Lincoln Mercury, was the Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee of the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, and was a very close friend of General Acker. Mr. Langley and his wife, Lib, were the driving force in the formation of and great success of Operation Blue Suit. They solicited the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and local business owners to support this annual celebration. It has flourished and survived for 30 years. The Langley influence is still very much a part of Blue Suit today. One of the things that Bill and Lib believed and always ensured was that the visiting Recruiters had an opportunity, as part of the celebration, to attend a BBQ hosted at a Texas Ranch. For many years, he hosted that BBQ at their ranch. In the later Continued on page 3

2 page 2 The Bag Dragger A Message from our President, Jerry Nelson My fellow Recruiters, I am truly excited to introduce the first edition of the Recruiting Alumni Association newsletter. I would like to extend my thanks to Don Haygood, our Member Services Chairman, and Tom Strack, our newsletter Editor. Through their dedicated efforts, we finally have begun to publish the newsletter that will be produced semi-annually. It will be our main source for keeping everyone updated on the Association s activities. We just sponsored our second Blue Suit Luncheon on February 27, The event was held at the Gateway Club at Lackland AFB, TX. This was Blue Suit XXX and we celebrated the outstanding accomplishments of fourteen Blue Suit winners. The event was a great success and stories about the events are also included in this newsletter. We have started planning our annual Association Reunion, which will be held September 25 and 26, 2009 in San Antonio, TX. We will have a golf tournament on September 25 th at Gateway Hills Golf Course, Lackland AFB, TX. On September 26 th, we will have our business meeting with a social function to follow. Specific details of these events will be provided as quickly as possible (probably by ) in order to allow for your planning. We would like for as many members as possible to attend! Last year s event was a great success and we are looking for even better results this time. Our election of Officers will be conducted in October Terms of office will end for all Officers on December 31, I encourage everyone to consider these opportunities to serve the Association. The responsibilities for each office are identified in our Charter, which is located at I also encourage all members to continually visit our website and review the minutes of all Association meetings that take place. This will help keep everyone informed on the activities of our Association and stimulate involvement by our members. During the first two years of our Association, it has been an honor to serve our membership and assist Recruiting Service/Blue Suit in their success. Our Executive Committee has worked diligently to ensure that the Association s best interests have been served. We do need your help! We need your support, your suggestions, your constructive criticism, whatever you want to contribute, and strongly encourage all members to submit any input or comments that you have to help improve our Association and support of AFRS. We also need your help finding/locating former AFRS members to join AFRAA. I thank all of you for your support and hope to see you at our reunion in September! Jerry R. Nelson President, AFRAA Questions about membership? Send them to: Membership@usafraa.org

3 The Bag Dragger page 3 Blue Suit History Continued from page 1 years, that great tradition has been carried forth by the Langley daughters. Patsy and Jack Garvin, Linda and Edgar Niemeyer and Kay and Bob Morrison have joined the team and continued the legacy of their mother and father. After Bill and Lib s passing, they have ensured that each Blue Suit celebration has always held a BBQ at a Texas Ranch. Additionally, as the First Family of Blue Suit, they are intimately involved in all facets of the annual event. Without their dedicated efforts, Blue Suit would probably not have survived through these 30 years. Bill and Lib Langley didn t limit their AFRS support to only Blue Suit. For years they hosted an annual BBQ at his ranch in Tarpley, TX for all of the HRS staff--always attended by the entire HRS staff (and The Langley daughters, Patsy, Linda and kay spouses) and enjoyed immensely. Even AETC Commanders occasionally attended to recognize the tremendous support to the Air Force mission contributed by Mr. Langley and his family. Tricare Scare Explained Should Not be an Issue You may have heard of the claim that the Obama Administration was proposing increasing Tricare premiums, adding a deductible, and increasing co-pays. The following is an extract of a letter from Senator Lieberman to a constituent with some encouraging news: Thank you for contacting me regarding rumored cuts in benefit programs for military retirees, including TRICARE for Life. Currently, a wealth of false and misleading information is being distributed on this matter; and I welcome the opportunity to explain the source of the confusion. I am aware of several chain s, online discussion boards, blogs, and even articles in well-intentioned veterans' publications that imply that President Obama and Congress plan on eliminating TRICARE for Life. The insinuations put forth by these sources are false The source of these stories is a report issued by the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), entitled Budget Options Volume 1: Heath Care, released in Dec, The Budget Options report in question offers a total of 115 options for reducing (or, in some cases, increasing) federal spending on health care, only three of which relate to TRICARE. These options are merely suggestions, not policy statements or actual legislation As a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, please be assured of my continued commitment to protecting the various interests of all those who have fought tirelessly to protect our cherished freedoms. Joseph I. Lieberman UNITED STATES SENATOR

4 page 4 The Bag Dragger Blue Suit XXX Continued from page 1 Leadership qualities, and other professional traits. Air Force Recruiting Service officials recognize Blue Suit winners and their spouses in events in Texas' San Antonio area each year. During their five-day stay in downtown San Antonio, the recruiters and their spouses attend luncheons, briefings and dinners at several well-known local restaurants and establishments. Some of the highlights include a Blue Suit Awards luncheon, San Antonio Chamber of Commerce reception, attending an Air Force Basic Military Training tour and graduation ceremony at Lackland Air Force Base and more. Winners of FY 2008 Operation Blue Suit XXX are: -- Master Sgt. Michael Kovach of the 333rd RCS at Melbourne, FL -- Master Sgt. William Malcolm of the 367th RCS at Colorado Springs, CO -- Master Sgt. Kimberly McBride of the 319th RCS at Burlington, MA -- Tech. Sgt. Raymond Archambo of the 347 RCS at Bloomington, IL -- Tech. Sgt. David Gongora of the 317th RCS at Norfolk, VA -- Tech. Sgt. Paul Lindsey of the 338th RCS at Columbus, OH -- Tech. Sgt. Michael Mehl of the 337th RCS at Fayetteville, NC th -- Tech. Sgt. Mark Terry of the 343rd RCS at Manhattan, KS. -- Staff Sgt. Nicholaus Abramow of the 362nd RCS at El Cajon, CA -- Staff Sgt. Eric Bond of the 364th RCS at Fairfield, CA -- Staff Sgt. Eva Haselhoff of the 367th RCS at El Paso, TX -- Staff Sgt. Alpha Tyler of the 333rd RCS at Melbourne, FL -- Staff Sgt. Kevin Vettorel of the 345th RCS at Springfield, IL -- Staff Sgt. Jacob Watson of the 339th RCS at Sault Sainte Marie, MI Congratulations to all! Brigadier General Alfred J. Stewart, Commander, Air Force Recruiting Service, welcomes the Blue Suit XXX Winners

5 The Bag Dragger page 5 Recruiting Service Reorganization - Again Reorganization can be positive IF you embrace it! For those of us who were part of Recruiting Service when there were seven Recruiting Groups, this is not new. My introduction to RS came in January 1973, in the same class with CMSgt Doug Sorchilla, former RS Senior Recruiter, and there were lots of changes in our future that we could not imagine nor foresee. I found most change to be positive and made things better for Recruiters at all levels of the Command; and recruiters are very adept at changing and adjusting to the economy, local and regional factors, and anything else that might affect us achieving our assigned goals. It s sort of like the slogan of a company I found near Meadows of Dan, VA (Please don t tell, but I was poaching a Nurse from another flight) which said: Bubba s Veterinary and Taxidermy We guarantee, no matter what, You get your dog back! And that is what AF Recruiters do: no matter what, no matter the obstacles, the challenges, or difficulties, we meet or exceed our goals and keep the Air Force filled with high quality men and women who can meet the challenges of today and tomorrow. I found Recruiting School to be a profound, lifechanging experience and met other NCOs who felt and acted the same. It gave me/us a higher calling and unique training that prepared us for recruiting, but also for anything else we chose to pursue or attempt. I hope you have as much fun as I did for twenty years. Tom Strack

6 page 6 The Bag Dragger Blue Suit XXX Events and Activities Operation Blue Suit XXX took place in San Antonio, TX, February 23-28, As one who has participated in all thirty, I ve seen a few changes to the format and activities that have evolved over the years for Operation Blue Suit. For the last few years, one must now be a Gold Badge recruiter to even compete for Blue Suit; and the RS group commanders now select all Blue Suit winners, as opposed to a Selection Committee of the Senior Leadership at HRS in the past. The date for the event has also changed--for many years it was held in October, prior to the RS squadron annuals. with the RS leadership and then departed for dinner at La Margarita in Market Square, sponsored by North Park Lincoln Mercury. Tuesday 24 Feb - The morning began with breakfast at the RAFB enlisted club sponsored by the Randolph Chiefs group and the official arrival ceremony at the Randolph officers club, followed by a welcome presentation for all sponsors and Blue Suiters by Brigadier General A. J. Stewart, RS Commander. The award luncheon followed where the Blue Suiters were recognized for their accomplishments and given their plaques. The speaker was the RS commander. That evening they were hosted by the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce at a reception on the Riverwalk followed by a River Boat Tour. Wednesday 25 Feb Blue Suiters and their spouses went in different directions. The Blue Suiters went to BMT for briefings, to visit a dorm, and lunch with basic trainees. Recruiter Magazine interviews and a cross feed session with the RS Command Chief followed. Spouses were hosted to a noon luncheon at the home of Roy and Ramelle Glasscock. They returned to the Many former Blue Suit winners attended hotel and enjoyed time on the Riverwalk. That the awards luncheon evening they were hosted to dinner at the Magic Time Machine, sponsored by Jim Hasslocker, owner The makeup of the Blue Suit XXX winners was: 11 EA (NPS of the restaurant. for us old timers), 1 HP, 1 HP flight supervisor and 1 EA (NPS) flight supervisor. The NPS and HP recruiters are Thursday 26 Feb They departed for the Double selected by the group commanders and the 2 Flight Eagle Ranch in Marble Falls, Texas--an 1150 acre Supervisors are automatic winners as the top RS flight exotic game ranch owned by Sandy Jenkins. She supervisors in HP and EA (NPS). allows Bill and Lib Langley s daughters the use of the ranch. The Langley daughters sponsored and The daily activities this year: Monday 23 Feb - The Blue prepared a great South Texas home cooked BBQ meal Suiters and their spouses were greeted by RS CMSgt s and with all the trimmings. Many activities were provided escorted to the St. Anthony Hotel in Lincoln automobiles to include a performance by the famous Plungetts. provided by North Park Lincoln Mercury. Late that afternoon, a meet and greet session was held at the hotel Continued on page 7

7 The Bag Dragger page 7 Blue Suit XXX Events and Activities Continued from page 6 Sandy Jenkins (ranch owner) belongs to a group of ladies that perform using plungers as their prop. They do a great job and this was enjoyed by all. Friday 27 Feb They all attended a BMT graduation, visited recruiting school and talked with soon to be recruiters and our association sponsored a luncheon at the Lackland AFB Gateway Club. We recognized the Blue Suiters and gave them RS watches for their accomplishments. Since this year was our 30th year for Blue Suit, we also recognized as many former Blue Suiters as we could contact. We had over 30 former Blue Suiters in attendance. We were honored to have Major General (Retired) Bill Acker and his wife with us. As was mentioned in the History of Blue Suit on the cover page, he and Mr. Bill Langley originated Blue Suit 30 years ago. The Blue Suiters and spouses departed for a reception at Kel-Lac Uniforms (another longtime Blue Suit sponsor) where they were presented gift certificates along with other items. The evening dinner was held at Brigadier General Stewart s home, where other mementos were exchanged. Saturday 28 Feb The Blue Suiters and their spouses departed San Antonio having enjoyed a fulfilling week of Operation Blue Suit and San Antonio hospitality, and the well deserved recognition of Recruiting Service for a tremendous job well done. Godspeed! Bob Cantu Deceased Fellow Recruiters On the Association s website ( we d like to have a page dedicated to fallen recruiters. If you know of a deceased former recruiter, please send the name, date of passing, period assigned to Recruiting Service, and any other information you care to share, to Tom Strack at tstrack@satx.rr.com. Former CMSAF Airey In Memorium We ve lost one of the true pioneers for our Service Michael Donley, Secretary of the Air Force. Air Force Mourns the Loss of First Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Former Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Paul Wesley Airey, died March 11 in Panama City, Fla. Chief Airey held the top enlisted position from April 3, 1967 to July 31, During his tenure he worked to change loan establishments charging exorbitant rates outside the air base gates and to improve low retention during the Vietnam Conflict. Chief Airey also led a team that laid the foundation for the Weighted Airman Promotion System, a system that has stood the test of time and which is still in use today. He also advocated for an Air Force-level Senior Noncommissioned Officer Academy. Chief Airey retired August 1, (U.S. Air Force illustration/cyndi Smith)

8 page 8 The Bag Dragger AFRS REUNION 25/26 September, 2009 AIR FORCE RECRUITING ALUMNI ASSOCIATION (AFRAA) 7702 Ridge Mist Drive San Antonio, TX membership@usafraa.org memberservices@usafraa.org Visit us at: This is your Newsletter, Please Contribute We would like to know what s going on in your neck of the woods. How are you doing? Are you still involved in helping your local AF Recruiters? Do you have your own business? We d like to share anything you care to contribute. We need your help to keep Blue Suit going and you may have a good idea that will make it better. Even if you don t join, please share your contact information so we can share information and our activities with you. AFRAA Charter The Air Force Recruiting Alumni Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. An important objective of our Charter is: AFRAA will bring together a membership of former Air Force Recruiting Service members to form a fellowship with the AFRS to support AFRS in its nation-wide recruiting efforts. Place Postage Here Air Force Recruiting Alumni Association c/o CMSgt Stan Staples, USAF, Retired 7702 Ridge Mist Drive San Antonio, TX CMSgt Don Haygood, USAF, Retired 8418 Athenian Drive Universal City, Texas 78148