Day: November 22, 2024

Cony High School in Augusta, Maine, recently hosted a U.S. Air Force assembly, introducing female students to the diverse career opportunities available in one of the nation’s most vital branches of service. The event, facilitated by DistrictWON, left them inspired and eager to explore what the Air Force has to offer. The assembly highlighted the importance of leadership, service, and the many roles women can play in the military, empowering the next generation to consider the Air Force as a path toward personal and professional growth.

T.J. Maines, Athletic Director at Cony High School, shared his thoughts on the event: “The key takeaway from this event was the possibility of what joining the U.S. Air Force could mean for our students. For some, it’s the opportunity to pay for college, and for others, it’s a chance to travel the world and see new things. Many students left the assembly with excitement and hope for the future.”

The Air Force recruiters emphasized how women have played an essential role in shaping the service, holding positions of leadership and participating in a wide range of missions. The recruiters shared personal experiences to highlight the valuable leadership skills gained through service, encouraging students to consider how they could develop both personally and professionally by joining.

Mickey Amaro, a Flight Chief in the Air Force Reserve, reflected on the significance of such recruitment events: “When I first joined the military, I didn’t realize how much it would help me grow as a person. The Air Force offers women a chance to develop leadership skills, personal resilience, and confidence that will serve them both in the military and beyond. Sharing our stories with young women at high schools helps to open their eyes to the many opportunities that exist.”

The Air Force assembly also emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusivity in the military. “When we bring people from different backgrounds together, it strengthens our teams and helps us make better decisions,” said Jillian Rokes, a Gold Bar Recruiter in the U.S. Air Force. “It’s about building a community that supports each other, and that’s what the U.S. Air Force offers: a team where everyone has the opportunity to lead and make a difference.”

The recruiters stressed that young women, in particular, should see the Air Force as a way to build their future. Whether they are interested in aviation, law enforcement, or humanitarian efforts, the Air Force provides an environment where young women can thrive, make a meaningful impact, and develop their leadership potential.

“I would recommend any student consider the Air Force as an option,” said T.J. Maines. “There are so many benefits that they may not even know about—like leadership development, the chance to serve their country, and the opportunities to grow as individuals.”

The Air Force assembly at Cony High School not only educated the students about the service but also inspired them to think big and pursue careers that will allow them to lead, serve, and build a bright future.

The recent Air Force assembly at Crater High School, facilitated by DistrictWON, left a profound impact on the female students in attendance. The event, designed to expand career horizons for young women, not only provided insights into the diverse opportunities available within the Air Force but also served to inspire and empower them.

“It’s crucial for our young women to see strong role models, especially in fields like the military, where they often don’t see themselves represented.” said Karilu James, the College & Career Pathway Coordinator at Crater High School.

Healthcare careers within the Air Force were especially interesting to the students. “We offer a Health Science Pathway and Health Occupations class here at Crater, and the information shared today really piqued the students’ interest,” James explained. “It’s something they could apply directly to their studies, and many had a lot of follow-up questions about these career options in the military.”

Recruiters also took the time to address the differences between enlisting and pursuing a commission through ROTC or the Air Force Academy. “We want students to understand that both routes have their advantages,” said Technical Sergeant Evelyn Alvarado. “Whether you enlist first to gain experience or apply for ROTC right away, there are countless ways to succeed in the Air Force. It’s all about building a strong resume and taking advantage of the opportunities available to you.”

Alvarado encouraged students to start thinking about their future early: “If you’re interested in ROTC, talk to a recruiter by your junior year. You want to be ahead of the game, so when you apply, you’re ready. Also, we always recommend taking the ASVAB—it opens doors for a variety of roles.”

“It was amazing to see how the students started opening up. They’re really thinking about their future now. One student even expressed interest in continuing her education through the Air Force, which was a huge step for her.” James added.

A central theme of the day was the importance of representation, particularly for women in the military. “We want them to see that the Air Force is a place where women can thrive in any role, whether it’s leadership, technical skills, or specialized fields,” Alvarado said.

James agreed, “The students saw that women can be successful in traditionally male-dominated fields like the military. Seeing women who have advanced in their careers through dedication and hard work is incredibly empowering for our students.”

Alvarado further explained how the Air Force supports diversity and encourages all its members, regardless of gender, to excel: “We are making strides to integrate and diversify the military. It’s not just about having women in the ranks—it’s about showing everyone, especially young girls, that there’s a place for them in this field.

The Air Force assembly at Crater High School was a success, inspiring female students to think about leadership, service, and education in new ways. “The Air Force is more than just a job,” said Alvarado. “It’s an opportunity to grow, challenge yourself, and achieve things you might not have thought possible.”