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Gen. Mike Minihan, Commander of Air Mobility Command, visits the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station June 8, 2024.

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Air Force outreach programs strive to build long term relationships

  • Published
  • By Maj Andrea Pitruzzella
  • 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
NIAGARA FALLS AIR RESERVE STATION, N.Y. --  Over 35 Engineering and Aerospace students from Williamsville East High School, Williamsville, NY toured the base Thursday, April 19, 2012. These students were participating in a Recruiting after Next/Community Outreach (RANCO), designed to build relationships between the Air Force and prospective applicants that are not yet age qualified to enlist.

"Normally a recruiting event would be focused on applicants that are qualified, with the goal of getting them to enlist," said Staff Sgt. Orion LaMontagne, recruiter with the 313th Recruiting Squadron which covers active duty recruiting for the state of New York and a small part of northern Pennsylvania. "With RANCO, it is more about building long term relationships that will positively affect recruitment several years down the road," LaMontagne added.

Hosted by the 914th Airlift Wing, the tour included a static aircraft display of a C-130H2 Hercules, a visit to the engine shop and an explosive ordinance disposal demonstration. This tour was a part of the 914th Airlift Wing's base tour program which is designed to inform members of our local community on the vast amount of opportunities that are available through the Air Force.

Also included in the group were Senior Airman Matthew Anthow, Electrical Systems Journeyman from Bolling AFB, MD and Airman 1st Class Kyle Moody, Loadmaster from Charleston AFB, SC. Both are participants of the Air Force's Recruiter Assistance Program (RAP). The RAP program allows members of the active duty Air Force up to 12 days of non-chargeable leave to assist recruiters in their hometown or place of previous residence in bringing the Air Force story to local high school and college students.