LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Neither snow, nor rain or threat of a tornado could stop 45
Air Force Delayed Entry Program participants from the local area from giving the oath of enlistment performed by Maj. Gen. Frank Gorenc, Air Combat Command Air and Space Directorate, at the Norfolk Tides baseball season home opener April 20.
The Tides held an Air Force Night, in which Maj. Dave Skalicky, F-22 Raptor Aerial Demonstration Team pilot, threw out the first pitch, Langley Honor Guard presented the colors, and the Heritage of American Band performed the national anthem.
The DEP allows future military trainees to finish high school or allow time for their military occupation specialty to open.
"It's a great opportunity for these new recruits that got to do the oath of enlistment in front of their friends and family as well as a lot of people from the local area," said Major Skalicky.
"I am so proud to be part of Air Force Week," said Karlie Barnes a participants in the DEP. "I am going to soon be part of the Air Force and do something great with my life."
Ms. Barnes said she has friends who are in the Air Force and they really enjoy it. They get the chance to serve their country, while having a great job and getting an education.
"It's outstanding that these recruits get to see how the Air Force really lives and the impact we have on our local community," said Tech. Sgt. David Gongora, an Air Force recruiter. "This is just the beginning of their lives."
The future of the Air Force is bright, said Sergeant Gongora. The Air Force has some of the best recruits in the military coming from the local area and people should thank them for answering the nation's call.
For more information about Air Force Week visit
www.langley.af.mil.