How AFA Builds Recruiting Momentum at Every BMT Graduation
June 11, 2026 | By Laurie Orth
Since October 2, 2025, AFA’s Alamo Chapter has maintained a weekly presence at Basic Military Training (BMT) graduations at San Antonio’s Lackland Air Force Base—the Air Force’s and Space Force’s sole site for enlisted basic training. The presence of the Alamo Chapter is quietly turning the palpable excitement of new Airmen’s families into a community-driven recruiting boost through the AFA’s BMT Advocates to Inspire Military Service (AIMS) program.
By coordinating with the 344th Training Squadron at Lackland and briefing recruiter trainers, the chapter amplifies the civilian–military partnership, educates recruiters on how volunteers can extend their outreach, and encourages inspired parents to share graduation experiences with friends and neighbors. These efforts continue to create warmer leads and measurable support for Air Force and Space Force recruitment efforts.
Paul Hendricks, AFA Advocacy Chair and Advocates to Inspire Military Service (AIMS) Committee member, captured the purpose and energy of these visits during a recent briefing with the 344th Training Squadron:
“Joe Peltier, Alamo Chapter board member and AIMS-BMT Lead, and I visited the 344th Training Squadron at Lackland Air Force Base. Specifically, we met with the trainers who train the new Air Force recruiters. The purpose of our visit was to provide an AFA BMT AIMS mission briefing for orientation and information. Our objective was to illustrate the synergy between the mission of the Air Force recruitment program and the BMT AIMS program.
During the visit, we discussed the pure excitement and enthusiasm expressed by parents and family members during the BMT graduation ceremonies. The goal of the BMT AIMS program is to translate enthusiasm into action when the parents return home. We ask that parents share their enthusiasm and wonderful experiences with their friends and neighbors with the intent of inspiring military service. By doing so, it may encourage friends, neighbors, and associates with military-age family members to seek out information and learn more about the excellent career paths available through the military, especially the Air Force and the Space Force.”
Among the visit’s highlights were AFA representatives connecting with Senior Master Sgt. Dorscilla Davis, USAF Flight Chief, Recruiting School, 344th Training Squadron. Her leadership at the squadron illustrates the effective pipeline from recruiter training to community engagement that the Alamo Chapter helps reinforce.
How You Can Help
The Alamo Chapter needs additional volunteers to sustain and expand this mission-driven presence at BMT graduations. If you’d like to assist at a future ceremony—greeting families, distributing informational materials, or reinforcing the AIMS message—please contact Holly Olson, Chapter President. A stipend to help offset travel expenses may be available.
“The weekly efforts of the Alamo Chapter are a simple but powerful example of how local advocacy and personal presence can boost national readiness,” Hendricks said. “By turning the emotion of graduation into real conversations and referrals, AFA volunteers help ensure the next generation learns about the exceptional opportunities of service in the Air Force and Space Force. Join AFA’s AIMS initiative—your presence matters.”
To volunteer, contact Alamo AFA Chapter President Holly Olson at TX234.Alamo.President@afa.org. One stipend per month is available for approved volunteers on a first-come, first-served basis.