One extreme meets another

  • Published
  • By Chrissy Cuttita
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
A pilot of the skies shared his adrenaline rush-filled profession with a 'pilot' of the snow during an incentive ride that took off from Tyndall's runway Tuesday. 

While soaring on the wings of an F-15 Eagle, Steve Scheuring, owner of an Air Force-sponsored snocross team, learned more about the service he represents from Maj. Mark Hayes, 1st Fighter Squadron instructor pilot. 

"We've had a long-time relationship with speed sports," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Rowland, superintendent of Air Force marketing. "Snocross is like a winter version of NASCAR in the northern states and it helps us get the word out about the Air Force." 

To cater to the audience of potential Air Force recruits, the service has partnered with a variety of sports, showing off its logo not only on snocross sleds, but also supercross bikes, monster trucks, wake boards and more. 

Someone with a desire to do pararescue or combat control may be found among extreme sports fans, said Sergeant Rowland. 

"An experience like this gives me great pride to be associated with the Air Force," said Mr. Scheuring who often brings his snowmobiles and staff out to recruiting events. 

But the team doesn't just bring their drivers out; it also brings the support. Scheuring's team has three mechanics who explain the need for pilot support. 

"Flying in our aircraft helps us spread the word of what he saw of the Air Force on the inside, out to the civilian public," said Sergeant Rowland, about the well-known professional in the snocross industry. 

Mr. Scheuring agreed his experiences with raw Eagle power is something he'll definitely go home and talk about. 

"It was an incredible experience," he said after his 80 minute flight. "That thing hauls!"
The skills Major Hayes demonstrated through a variety of fighter pilot maneuvers gave Mr. Scheuring a different kind of thrill from what he is used to bouncing on and off the snow in the northern U.S. 

In exchange, the snocross team often offers recruiters a snow experience they won't forget. Recruiters also introduce Air Force-sponsored sports teams to one another. 

Sports vehicles shrink wrapped in the Air Force logo are designed to attract students in high school and visitors at recruiting events. 

"Capturing leads (for future Air Force recruits) is the primary goal at Air Force-sponsored events and asking how someone liked the race is a great way for a recruiter to spark a conversation," said Sergeant Rowland.