News

Reservist re-enlists at Seattle Seahawks game

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Madelyn McCullough
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SEATTLE --  The Nov. 3 Seahawks game didn't begin with the regular kick off, but with an Airman launching into another two years of service with the Air Force Reserve.

Staff Sgt. Kyle Knox, 446th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron medical technician and air reserve technician, took his second oath by the end zone of Century Link field just before the Seahawks faced off against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Knox's grandfather, retired Lt. Col. James Rankin, a former Air Force pilot, flew up from Texas to swear Knox. Since he initially swore Knox in when he first joined six years ago, he agreed to do so again under the stadium lights.

"He was the ultimate reason of why I decided to join the military," Knox said. "Six years ago, I asked him if he would swear me in for my original enlistment and he was honored to do so. He's always been there for me and always been motivational. So I kind of followed in his footsteps and I wanted him to do it because it would mean more to me and it would mean more to him if he did it."

"(The Air Force) was my life for the 22 years that I worked for them," Rankin said. "It's always been a part of my life since then. It's the defense of our country. I'm happy he's in and I'm glad he decided to join the Air Force. I'm just proud of him."

Knox plans to stay in for his career because he too believes in the defense of his country.

"Ultimately I'm not here because it's fun," he said. "When I have kids, I want them to grow up living free with the freedoms we've always had. I want them to grow up in a free country and have the best life possible. It's not necessarily that I'm here for me, I'm here for my family, for my friends and for my country."

As a medical technician in an aeromedical squadron, he supports a mission to take injured service members from down range to safety. He finds this career to be very rewarding and plans to continue it for the rest of his service.

"It's truly a great feeling doing AE," Knox said. "It's truly a great feeling knowing that when someone's injured that you're bringing them home to their family and getting them to a place that they can get better. Every time, they thank you. Don't thank me, I'm the one who needs to be thanking you because you were there. So that's the reason why I'm here, it's to support those people who are on the front lines."

After taking his oath, standing in a proud salute to the flag during the national anthem, and enjoying the Seahawks comeback win against the Buccaneers in an overtime game, Knox will return to supporting those who defend his country.

(Editor's note: The Seattle Seahawks have adopted the 446th Airlift Wing as its military unit for the season.)