The first step is recruiting

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Joshua Edwards
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
SAN ANGELO, Texas --  The first step for most individuals wishing to serve in the Air Force is a visit to the recruiter's office. Among their many responsibilities, recruiters across the country fill classrooms at Goodfellow Air Force Base to develop exceptional Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, and Fire Protection professionals.

Tech. Sgt. William R. Hierholzer Jr., 344th Air Force Recruiting Squadron enlisted accessions recruiter, helps soon-to-be trainees, so he can give back to the Air Force by finding the hidden talent.

"The Air Force has given me pretty much everything that I have," he said. "I know that there is a lot of potential out there, and I know a lot of people don't know much about the Air Force. I find people to come into the Air Force and be a productive member."

Hierholzer went on to say how easy recruiting is for him. Even though he is the only recruiter within the 9,500 square-miles he is responsible for.

"The thing with the Air Force is you don't have to sell the Air Force; the Air Force sells itself," Hierholzer said. "The Air Force really takes care of their people, and that's something that not only recruits want, but their parents are looking for as well."

The current Air Force recruiter helps civilians like Fredrick L. Howard Jr., Goodfellow Air Force Base Army and Air Force Exchange Service electronic department customer service, follow the path to becoming full-fledged Airmen.

"Out of all the other branches, the Air Force suits me best," said Howard. "I want to join the Air Force mainly because my stepdad served in the Air Force, and he can provide me with insight of how everything works."

Besides providing the Air Force, and the base, with new students, Hierholzer wants to be active around the base. He joined the base private organization 5/6 Council to assist.

"I'd like to help out and be a part of the base in any way that I can," he said. "Hopefully, we can help each other out by me giving good recruits to Goodfellow, and Goodfellow giving back to me by letting me be a part of their base."

For more information on enlisting, call Hierholzer at 325-947-2133.