November 7, 2024, 344th Recruiting Squadron Headquarters, Arlington, TX
AFA (Air & Space Forces Association) AIMS (Advocate to Inspire Military Service) Co-Chair, Vance Clarke, recognized CMSgt Stan Franklin, (Air Force Recruiting Service) AFRS/A5/8 and AFRS lead for the AFRS-AIMS interface for the past year for his outstanding service to the partnership effort. The recognition happened during a presentation by CMSAF#19 JoAnne Bass to the 344th Recruiting Squadron leaders, recruiters, and over 30 delayed entry recruits and recent graduates from basic military training at the squadron’s headquarters. Chief Franklin is returning to his primary position 149th Fighter Wing, Texas Air National Guard, position soon, after being on active duty orders the past two years with AFRS.
Chief Franklin was presented a coin for his AIMS service by Northeast Texas, AFA Chapter 416 President, MSgt Zach Hill, representing the achievements of the AFRS-AFA partnership in action between the AFA Chapter and the 344th Recruiting Squadron. “This coin represents the results of the work Chief Franklin has been a part of between or Air & Space Forces recruiters and AFA,” said Hill, “a realized effort truly inspiring military service.”
Clarke congratulated Franklin on his accomplishments during his active-duty time with AFRS. Clarke spoke of Franklin’s contributions to the AIMS efforts through guiding the AFRS staff in getting the initial partnership agreement approved, leading the bi-weekly AFRS-AFA meetings, coordinating squadron interfaces, and orchestrating the November 6-7, 2024, CMSAF #19 Bass visit.
CMSgt Franklin has been instrumental in developing the initial AIMS Guide 1.0 and the initial recruiting squadron, AFA individual and chapter interface guidance. He was able to orchestrate a visit by the 19th Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force (CMSAF) JoAnne Bass to visit and help the 342nd Recruiting Squadron (RS), and the 344th Recruiting Squadron efforts.
The 342nd RS, is led by Lt Col Florence Yee. Her team of MSgt Korey O’Shea and TSgt Devon Downing put together an officer accessions recruiting event at the University of Texas, Arlington, for engineering and nursing candidates. CMSAF19 Bass spoke to a crowd of 100 students about national security, the importance of education and critical thinking, as well as military service. The students asked a wide range of questions and some expressed interest in the Air and Space Forces.
The 344th RS hosted events at their headquarters in Arlington, Texas, where CMSAF #19 Bass spoke with the recruiters, recent basic military training graduates, and those awaiting basic training, and leadership. Her comments, encouragement, and challenges to remember they are in the business of national defense, were all received well and with typical recruiter ‘enthusiasm.’
CMSgt Franklin was appreciative of the thanks and the coin. He said he has enjoyed and been challenged by the AFA AIMS effort, and believes, over time the development of an influencer force to help inspire military service will be a tremendous help to our nation and its’ recruiting efforts.
To learn more about the AFA AIMS effort you can go to www.afa.org/aims.