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Forging relationships to expand wing family

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jason Grabiec
  • 182nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
PEORIA, Ill. --  Messages are constantly flying in on her three phones. Voicemails, emails and text messages from over 20 applicants would seems like a barrage to some, but keeping track of the details amid the chaos is crucial to performing in the fast paced environment of a recruiter.

This is a normal day of work for Staff Sgt. Hailey McFall, a production recruiter and retainer at the 182nd Force Support Squadron.

“Keeping up with your applicants and leads is very important in order to keep that communication open,” said McFall. “So that’s the first thing I do to provide customer service to everyone that I talk with. I want them to know that they are my priority.”

McFall’s colleagues agree that she is a dedicated, energetic and organized asset who has helped the unit fundamentally by giving of herself on a day-to-day basis.

“Already in her short time, several people have already benefited from her efforts,” said Master Sgt. Darrin Kessler, a fellow recruiter. “She just really goes above and beyond for each of her applicants.”

It is that dedication to the individual that drives McFall during her busy days. By focusing on how she can work to find the best fit for applicants and place them in career fields that are fulfilling, she is able to put them on a path to succeed.

“The people out here really invest in their Airmen and I see supervisors bending over backwards to help their people out,” said McFall. “Our unit cares a lot. Being part of the 182nd you become a part of the family.”

Being able to develop relationships with all of the units in the wing is a key component to being an effective recruiter as it helps them provide effective applicants to fill open positions.

“Supervisors can come over here to let us know about anticipated vacancies and we can find the right fit for that position,” said McFall. “We will probe our applicants to find the best person for that open position. We build relationships with the units because we want to bring people in that are a good fit who will do good work for them.”

Anyone who is looking to contact the 182nd recruitment office, call 1-800-241-1331 or email: usaf.il.182-aw.list.recruiting@mail.mil. McFall also welcomes anyone that is currently serving with the wing to stop in and visit with any recruiting questions or requests.

The Illinois National Guard offers many perks that makes it an attractive prospect to applicants. Guard members are eligible for four years of full tuition to any state college while protecting America’s skies and serve your country. Working a minimum of one weekend a month and two weeks a year, this is a part-time commitment that allows for a full life and career outside of the community. Work in the Guard can take many forms as it offers more than 180 different career choices including healthcare, communications, avionic and electronics turning our guardsmen into productive members of society.