News

Reserve recruiter aims to 'change lives for better'

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Minnette Mason
  • 446th Airlfit Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Growing up in a metropolitan school district and in a single-parent household, when Mom says, "Get a job," then it's time to get a job. Mom's encouragement, however, does not always lead to a career. Yet, for one Reservist, discovering a career was just the beginning.

Staff Sgt. Arnett Dickson, from Cleveland, Ohio, arrived here in April as the newest 446th Airlift Wing line recruiter.

As an Air Force Reserve recruiter, he set himself up with full-time benefits and helps other perspective Reservists find their way. He enlisted in the Reserve less than seven years ago and said, "Throughout my military career, my life just excelled."

Dickson's father died when he was just 8 years old. So, his mother raised him and his two siblings as a single parent. Just one year prior to starting high school, she decided they would move to North Carolina, where Dickson would eventually graduate from high school.

"I didn't know what to expect in a different state. We packed everything up and took a road trip. It was a whole different story," Dickson said.

Yet, after experiencing a new culture and being exposed to a more diverse environment, Dickson said he "made it through high school." Like many Reserve enlistees, was unsure of what he was going to do.

"One day, my mom busted in my room saying, '[Arnett], you better take your butt to the recruiter's office and get yourself a job!' And, that changed my life," he said with fondness.

Dickson initially planned to talk to an active-duty Air Force recruiter. However, the office was closed when he arrived at the Armed Forces recruiting station in Greensboro, North Carolina. So, he walked around the building, and discovered "another Air Force sign, which was the Air Force Reserve office," he said.

He met an Air Force Reserve recruiter named Tech. Sgt. Alexander Asencio, who has since been promoted to master sergeant. Asencio explained the difference between the regular Air Force and the Air Force Reserve. He also shared some benefits of being a part-time Reservist versus full-time active duty.

"He broke it down to me, and it sparked my interest for another appointment," Dickson said.

Dickson inquired about computer jobs because he enjoyed fixing computers. In high school, he was part of the game development club as the head graphics designer. Asencio explained how timing impacts jobs that are available.

Months later, Dickson selected a position as a material management specialist and enlisted in the Air Force Reserve in October 2008. However, he wasn't scheduled to leave for Basic Military Training, at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, until July 2009.

"During the waiting period, I helped my recruiter out with events. It was a good experience, and that's what got me thinking: I think I want to be a recruiter one day," he said. "Now, I'm seeing it from the recruiter's point of view."

Prior to being selected as a recruiter, Dickson was assigned to the 567th Red Horse Squadron at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, N.C. After a deployment to Afghanistan, a few temporary duty assignments and completing Airman Leadership School, Dickson learned of recruiting opportunities.

"The selection process for recruiting duty is lengthy, competitive and challenging," said Chief Master Sgt. Roy Blanchard, 446th AW recruiting flight chief. "Airmen who are selected to be Air Force Reserve recruiters are afforded a unique opportunity to recruit for not only the traditional reserve program, but also the [individual mobilization augmentee] program."

In addition to managing resources, interpreting recruiting directives and understanding the wing's manning priorities, Blanchard is also responsible for Dickson's initial qualification training and professional development. 

"[Dickson] brings a fresh perspective, as well as new and innovative ideas to help the recruiting mission for this region," Blanchard said. "The experience he gains here will follow him throughout his career and give him a better understanding of how squadrons, groups and wings work together to accomplish the Air Force Reserve mission."

Now, Dickson is applying what he knows, as well as his experiences and is providing a "gateway" for perspective Reservists, and "changing their lives for better," he said.

"It's great that I can present opportunities out of the blue, and then they can have a different approach of how to reach [their] goals or what goals to plan," he added. "I get to present people whom are unaware of what direction they want to have in their life, [and] just show them: 'We have plenty of directions you can take. Let's see which one you qualify for.'"