An Airman from the Toledo-based 180th Fighter Wing was recently recognized for leading the Air National Guard in accessions through the Guard Recruiter Assistance Program (G-RAP).
Maj. Gen. Gregory L. Wayt, Ohio adjutant general, acknowledged the efforts of Staff Sgt. Ashley Schmidt during a pause in an Ohio Order of the Musket ceremony being held for Congressman David Hobson of Ohio's 7th District.
Since the program began in April 2006, Schmidt has recruited 14 new trainees into the Ohio Air National Guard.
"Staff Sgt. Schmidt has not only helped the recruiting effort of the Ohio Air National Guard with these 14 accessions, she's also impacted the readiness of the Ohio Air Guard," Wayt said.
For each new enlistee that completes basic training, recruiter assistants are paid $2,000. To date, Schmidt's efforts have netted her a hefty $28,000.
How does the program work?
The recruiter assistant (RA) simply enters the potential Airman or Soldier's profile data into a national G-RAP website to arrange a meeting between the prospective member and an Air Force or Army National Guard recruiter. The RA receives an initial payment of $1000 when the new servicemember's enlistment is verified and a second $1000 payment when the enlistee ships to basic training.
"The 180th Fighter Wing has been leading the Air National Guard in G-RAP accessions and Staff Sgt. Schmidt has been a tremendous asset in leading that charge," said Master Sgt. Michael Waddle, the recruiting office supervisor for the 180th.
Schmidt is an intern for U.S. Senator Chris Dodd of Connecticut and will deploy to the Middle East with her unit later this year to complete a 120-day Air Expeditionary Force (AEF) tour.