How we started

We started in recruiting in 2000 after I separated from the AF and my husband wanted to do something more for the Air Force and thought showing young people how the AF can change lives for the better was the way to go. I was proud of him, but skeptical because he wasn't much of a talker. You'll learn how THAT changed! His first year was tough...long hours, lots of training, trying to learn to be military members in a civilian world. His third year, when he should have won gold badge, was the hardest. He was hardly ever home and spent a lot of his spare weekday time with one of his flight-mates (with whom he is still close friends). On weekends, we were able to visit my parents for a night or two, depending upon his schedule.
Because my husband was recruited from overseas into recruiting, I did not get one of the "interviews" I've heard every other spouse get. I was never warned, told, nothing! I'm a roll-with-the-punches kind of person usually, so this part of my character really assisted me in acclimating to the recruiting environment. His first year I decided to stay at home with the kids, but it really drove me nuts so I went back to work as an addictions counselor. When he came up on his second assignment, I decided to stay home again and loved it! I went back to get a Master's degree, and ultimately I am now finishing up my PhD! His recruiting schedule has enough flexibility, and wonderful people in recruiting services, that we've been fortunate he can stay home when I do residencies or be here and there for this and that.
Starting on ten years of recruiting is hard...spouses, don't be discouraged. It gets better. Live it up at the annuals and lean on other spouses. For those of us who have not been around military installations during recruiting years, I know it's hard. However, this is when you spend time with the flight and get new friends and family. Look to those who have spent years in recruiting and seek their knowledge. Most of all - don't whine. We've been in recruiting long enough to see many, many whiny spouses and that doesn't help your wife/husband's stress level! Be supportive but take care of yourself, too. That first assignment, especially the first year or so, is rough. The next ones bring new, exciting challenges and you learn how to adapt to the recruiting lifestyle. We've loved it and through this blog, I hope to instill certainty that AFRS is a great career choice for the whole family. Take care and I'll write more later...