Kevin Clifford/Nevada Appeal
Hollers for recruitment could be heard through out the Air National Guard booth during the 45th Annual National Championship Air Races & Air Show at the Reno Stead Airport.
"Who wants a free college education," exclaimed a recruiter as people formed a line to get an autograph from Maj. John Klatt, an F-16 pilot for the Air National Guard for 18 years and an aerobatics pilot for John Klatt Airshows, which is in partnership with the ANG.
"The Air National Guard has always been good to me and is like a family," Klatt said. "It's the best part-time job in the world."
Klatt performs across the country with his aerobatic aircraft promoting the ANG.
"The [Air National] Guard has a 188 career fields to choose from," Klatt said. "You and a recruiter can find a career field that is best suited for you, which really works well [for the new recruits]."
There are many benefits for joining the ANG, including tuition and book reimbursement at Nevada sponsored colleges, a signing bonus up to $20,000 depending on career field and military retirement. Also, the ANG does require either a 3 or 6-year contract and service one weekend per month (minimum of 39 days a year) and 15 days of additional training each year.
Michael Johnson, 31, of Reno officially enlisted in the Nevada Air National Guard on Sept. 12 and became a member of the 152nd Intelligence Squadron, which is stationed next to the Reno-Tahoe International Airport.
"Since the [Air National] Guard has an intelligence unit, which was an area of expertise that I wanted to get into, it was just a natural fit to join," Johnson said.
Klatt will deploy for his third Tour to Iraq with the Minnesota Air Guard's 148th Fighter Wing shortly after he finishes his performances in Nov.
"It's great to have a wonderful relationship with the [Air National] Guard, because I enjoy talking about and promoting the Guard," Klatt said.
For more information about the Air National Guard visit: goang.com