November 7, 2024, Texas Christian University (TCU) and 344 Recruiting Squadron, Arlington, TX, events
CMSAF#19, retired, JoAnne Bass attended an Air and Space Forces recruiting event at the 344th Recruiting Squadron (RS) in Arlington, TX, and met with ROTC cadets at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, TX, on November 7, 2024.
Bass met with delayed enlistment Airman and Guardians, along with members of the 344th RS, 645th Aeronautical Engineering Systems Squadron (AESS), and Air & Space Forces Association (AFA) members, in Arlington TX. Bass spoke on the importance of what our recruiters do, the national security and environment we are currently in, speaking on China, Russia, and other nation states, as well as the importance of military service.
CMSAF19 Bass to questions from the audience on officer and enlisted roles, work-life balance, what work was like in the Pentagon, and how her role as CMSAF was different than other roles Airman and Guardians fill. Bass also had Lt Col LeMaire speak on his experiences, along with CMSgt Stan Franklin from Air Force Recruiting Service (AFRS), and Vance Clarke, CMSgt (ret), AFA AIMS Co-Chair and prior AFRS Command Chief Master Sergeant. The stories of service, suggestions on performance and serving in uniform from CMSAF19 Bass and the others held the attention of all in attendance.
After the squadron visit, CMSAF19 Bass was taken to TCU to speak with ROTC cadets, senior TCU leaders, and to watch the “frisbee turkey bowl” between the Air Force and Army ROTC cadet units. Bass again spoke on national security and students responded with several questions on information security, dis-information, and how to improve their performance as military officers in their future units. While with Dr. Sonja Watson, TCU Add Ran, they discussed the importance of inspiring military service and about being “Army brats”. Both Bass and Watson come from Army families.
Heading outdoors, Bass spoke briefly with the over 100 RTOC Army and Air Force cadets on the importance of what they are training to do for their nation. Her inspiring words will carry with many of them for their careers. She was also able to speak one on one with several cadets during the activities.
This visit was orchestrated as a recruiting event to complement the partnership between the Air Force Recruiting Service and the Air & Space Forces Association. The AFA AIMS program is designed to get past military members, educators, and the like, to espouse the benefits of military service to ensure youth are aware of the great opportunities military service provides. AIMS Co-Chair, Vance Clarke coordinated the effort with AFRS lead, CMSgt Stan Franklin, and 342nd Recruiting Squadron, Commander, Lt Col Steven LeMaire. The event was a complete success and brought CMSAF19 Bass, a senior Air Force leader who though retired, continues to serve.
The AFA AIMS efforts are well under way. You can learn more at www.afa.org/aims.