Air Force recruiter aims high to assist local recruits Published Feb. 14, 2007 By Staff Sgt. Stacey Haga 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Those interested in joining the Air Force in the Panama City area have a new recruiter to turn to, who is committed to setting them up for success. In October 2006, Staff Sgt. Aaron Brown, Air Force recruiter, ventured into his first recruiting position at the Air Force Recruiting office in Panama City, Fla. Prior to becoming a recruiter, Sergeant Brown was an F-16 avionics technician at Shaw AFB, S.C. "Sergeant Brown is extremely enthusiastic," said Tech. Sgt. Katie Kloberdanz, senior Air Force recruiter for Panama City, "I think he's a great addition to our Air Force recruiting team in the Panama City area and I look forward to working with him." For Sergeant Brown, the transition from the flightline to the recruiting world has been quite the learning experience. "Recruiting has really challenged my interpersonal communication skills," said Sergeant Brown. Time management has also been a lesson learned by the sergeant. Recruiting often involves long work hours, working all days of the week and making many personal sacrifices to succeed. However, Sergeant Brown knowingly took on the challenge of helping civilians transition into Airmen. "The Air Force is an awesome opportunity," he said. "I've had a great career and want to pass on that good experience to my recruits." To become a successful recruiter, Sergeant Brown set goals for himself of treating others the way he would want to be treated, never compromise his integrity, put quality Airmen in the Air Force and provide a good life for his own family. Since becoming a recruiter here, Sergeant Brown has made an effort to get know the community and Tyndall. He has even served has a volunteer wrestling coach at Rutherford High School. "I wrestled in high school and this has given me a great chance to get to know the community better," said Sergeant Brown. "I like the community and the attitude of the kids. They are very respectful." As time goes by, the recruiter hopes to establish an even better relationship with Tyndall and the surrounding population by regularly attending local events as well as spending time with students at the 15 schools in his area of responsibility. "I want the community to know who I am and know they can trust me to help out our young recruits and take care of them," he said. "I want my recruits to know that the Air Force is never a 'last option.' It can be the best option for someone." For Sergeant Brown, that attitude can directly impact the Air Force and the individual's career. "I believe if they start off with the right attitude, it can make their career better and improve the Air Force," he said. Sergeants Brown and Kloberdanz work as a team to provide tomorrow's Airmen the information they need today. For more information, contact them at (850) 763-1301.