Peoria recruiting and retention team wins regional awards

Seen from left are U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Chad N. Jackson, Tech. Sgt. Stephen I.N. Graves, Master Sgt. John R. Howe, Master Sgt. Candy L. Howe and Staff Sgt. Darrin C. Kesler of the 182nd Force Support Squadron at the 182nd Airlift Wing, Peoria, Ill., Jan. 13, 2014. The team won the Regional Patriot Team Award for their work as the wing's recruiting and retention team. John Howe, the wing's retention manager, was awarded Outstanding Retention Manager of the Year. Their efforts led to the Illinois Air National Guard wing’s manning reaching 100.2 percent, a re-enlistment rate of 86 percent and an 89 percent airmen retention rate in 2013. The team’s community involvement included helping local organizations’ missions to help special needs children and providing job coaching for at-risk youth. The airmen will now compete for the national-level awards. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Lealan Buehrer/Released. Image was cropped to emphasize the subjects.)