Taking the oath

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Nineteen Airmen from Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field take the oath of enlistment from the commander of the Air Force Thunderbirds April 9 prior to their practice show on base. The Eglin airshow drew more than 70,000 people each day April 10,11. The T-birds headlined the show. (U.S. Air Force photo/Samuel King Jr.)

Eglin and Hurlburt Airmen reenlist with help from T-birds

Published April 12, 2010
By Samuel King Jr.
Team Eglin Public Affairs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Almost 20 Airmen received the oath of enlistment here April 9 during a ceremony presided over by the Thunderbirds.

The commander of the Thunderbirds administered the oath to 19 re-enlistees who stood in front of one of the famous F-16 Vipers. Friends and family also gathered around to watch as their Airman committed to continuing their career with the Air Force.

This was the second time receiving the oath for Senior Airman David Myers, 1st Special Operations Communications Squadron. He took the oath of enlistment to join the Air Force last time the T-birds were here in 2007.

"I wanted to continue the tradition," he said. "I'm really glad I had the opportunity to do so."

After taking the oath, many of the Airmen joined their families to watch the T-birds practice show.

Staff Sgt. Catina Turgeon, 96th Medical Group, brought her husband, daughter, in-laws and other close friends with her during the ceremony and the show.

"What an awesome opportunity," she said afterwards. "It' rare you get to do something this special."