Big turnout for the 114th Fighter Wing Career Day

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Duane Duimstra
  • 114th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (10/19/2016) --  
The 114th Fighter Wing recruiters hosted a Career Day for high school students and their parents on Oct. 19, 2016 at Joe Foss Field, S.D.

Career day showcases different vocations which the Airmen of the 114 FW perform on a daily basis.

"Career day is a big event for us because it spreads awareness of the South Dakota Air National Guard which could possibly lead to new recruits," said Technical Sgt. Bo Ellefson, 114th Fighter Wing recruiter and retainer.

There are over 80 career fields available in the South Dakota Air National Guard ranging from aircraft mechanics to photojournalists.

There were over 75 high school students, some with their parents, who attended the event.

The students and their parents were briefed about the mission of the South Dakota Air National Guard by Col. Nathan Alholinna, 114 FW commander.  They also watched the launch of the unit's F-16s and toured the base. The tour consisted of visiting several maintenance and non-maintenance shops that showed how a typical base operates.

After touring the base and having lunch, the students and their parents asked questions of Airmen who had recently returned from basic training and technical school.  They were also able to interact with pilots and senior leaders such as Chief Master Sgt. Michael Clauson, selected 114th Fighter Wing Command Chief.

At the conclusion of career day, several students, accompanied by their parents, stayed behind to set up appointments with the recruiters to have a more in-depth conversation about the opportunities the South Dakota Air National Guard has to offer them.