Steele Chapter Forges Partnership with 317th Recruiting Squadron

Bob Hill, Chapter Secretary of AFA’s D.W. Steele Sr. Chapter, connected with some 100 Air Force recruiters from the 317th Recruiting Squadron in Williamsburg, Va., on October 23 to update them on one of AFA’s newest initiatives: Advocates to Inspire Military Service (AIMS).  

Hill outlined the rationale behind the partnership between AFA and the Air Force Recruiting Service, highlighting the progress made by both the local recruiting squadron and the chapter over recent months. Notably, 317th Commander Lt. Col. Adrian Zollinger and Senior Enlisted Leader Chief Master Sgt. Ladiwina Gilly have joined the executive committee leadership team. The Steele Chapter has also dedicated time during its monthly meetings for AIMS updates, covering various topics, including the recruiting service and the local squadron’s progress in meeting mission goals and updates on the changes to streamline medical waiver reviews. One meeting featured a discussion on AFA’s recently proposed 19.5 percent pay increase for E1–E4 ranks.

AFRS Commander Brig. Gen. Christopher Amhrein has frequently encouraged AFA members to “tell their story” about their Air Force experience. During a chapter meeting, members were prompted to create their own “elevator pitch,” articulating their reasons for joining the Air Force, the benefits of service, and the life lessons they’ve learned.

Following his presentation, Hill gathered feedback from the recruiters on potential AIMS activities. They expressed interest in finding ways to engage with community leaders, school principals, and STEM teachers, as well as to support CyberPatriot and StellarXplorers teams. One recruiter suggested inviting local leaders, AFA members, and others to observe enlistees and candidates preparing for Basic Military Training.  

Hill explained AFA’s threefold mission of Advocating, Educating, and Supporting the recruiters and encouraged them to join the AFA and become actively involved with their local chapter. After the training session, he spent additional time with individual recruiters to explore ideas tailored to their communities. Hill emphasized that “the recruiters are doing a fantastic job of attracting our nation’s best and brightest to join our Air and Space Forces. It is an honor to support them through the AIMS initiative, and it is exciting to see the progress we are making daily.”