Niagara holds enlistment ceremony during War of 1812 bicentennial events

by Master Sgt. Kevin Nichols
914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

10/14/2012 - NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. -- A mass enlistment ceremony of civilians into the United States Air Force Reserve was held in Lewiston, N.Y. today during the town's bicentennial commemoration event - Battle of Queenston Heights, the first major battle of the War of 1812.

The enlistment ceremony directly preceded a cannon bombardment reenactment of a battle that took place exactly 200 years ago on October 13, 1812.

Enlistees had the unique opportunity to be sworn in at the location and on the anniversary of an event which holds a significant place in our nation's history.

Federal law requires that everyone who enlists or re-enlists in the Armed Forces of the United States must take the Oath of Enlistment. The Oath of Enlistment is administered by any commissioned officer to any person enlisting or re-enlisting for a term of service into any branch of the military.

Typically this oath is administered by a junior officer, and on special events such as this it can be given by commanders and generals. The Commander of the 914th Airlift Wing, Col. Allan Swartzmiller, administered the oath of enlistment to a group of nine new Airmen while War of 1812 reenactors from the 1st Lewiston Militia provided the colors for the ceremony.

"I'm extremely proud of these fine men and women who have taken a step forward and are answering the call to serve their nation," said Col. Swartzmiller. "They will join the ranks of other Citizen Airmen who are the finest, highly trained, and motivated aerospace force in the world. We also appreciate the continued support from their families, the community, and employers in Western New York."