Future Airmen reach new heights during mass enlistment at Dobbins

by Senior Airman Christina Bozeman
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

10/13/2012 - DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- With microphone in hand, Col. Timothy E. Tarchick, 94th Airlift Wing commander, looked up to the top of the Dobbins Air Reserve Base control tower and shouted "You're in; congratulations!"

Tarchick just swore in 19 of the newest enlisted trainees of the U.S. Air Force Reserves. This was the first time ever utilizing the tower to perform an enlistment.

"You've all made a big decision," said Tarchick. "You will gain new skills, meet new people and travel to many new places; all while serving this great nation of ours."

After the ceremony, the newly enlisted came down from the tower to join their families on the ground.

Brittaney Ellis, a graduate of Hiram High School in Cobb County, will attend Dietary Therapy technical training after Basic Military Training and become a member of the 94th Aeromedical Staging Squadron.

"I loved it," Ellis said, after enlisting from atop the tower. "I participated in JROTC during high school. I feel like this is a good experience."

Ellis's mom, Brenda Smith, was touched by the ceremony.

"I am overwhelmed," said Smith. "That was a beautiful thing."

Sidnie Moore, another trainee, graduated from Kennesaw Mountain High School in Cobb County. He will attend Pest Management technical training and join the 94th Civil Engineering Squadron.

"My dad was a Marine for 16 years," Moore said. "He always enjoyed the military; there seems to be a lot of benefits of joining."

Moore's mom, Stephanie Moore, was present at the ceremony.

"We loved it," said Moore. "We're very proud of him!"

Chief Master Sgt. Wendell L. Peacock, 94th Airlift Wing command chief, commended parents and friends for sharing such a milestone in the trainees' lives.

"The career opportunities in the Air Force Reserves have expanded far greater over the years since I enlisted," said Peacock. "Our new trainees have made one of the most important, and fulfilling decisions of their lives."