New member of the 9-G club

Published Jan. 30, 2007
By Master Sgt. Gary Johnson
AFRCRS Public Affairs

HOMESTEAD ARB, Fla -- Get 1 Now winner's rewards include a leather jacket and a ride in the aircraft of their choice. Senior Airman Dawn Larrieu chose the F-16. "The choice was easy, the F-16 is famous for its awesome maneuverability," said Larrieu. The 93rd Fighter Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve Base, Fla., was chosen to make it happen. The 93 FS "Makos" are part of the 482nd Fighter Wing. "Makos" are very aggressive sharks, related to the great white sharks," explained Senior Master Sgt. Tony Romero, Life Support Superintendent, 482 FW. "They put up a veracious fight."

Senior Airman Dawn Larrieu is one of two Get 1 Now award winners for FY06. The other award winner is Staff Sgt. Edwin Hartman, 33rd Aerial Port Squadron, Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station, N.Y. Sergeant Hartman received his flight in December before being deployed to Southwest Asia for four months. Airman Larrieu is also an aerial porter assigned to the 81 APS, Charleston Air Force Base, S.C. Both award winners are responsible for five accessions.

After being medically cleared, Airman Larrieu received egress training from Maj. Pete "Stinky" Smith, a pilot with the 93rd. Egress training includes; exiting the aircraft on the ground and the activation of the ejection seat during flight, in case of an emergency. "My priorities for this training are your safety and enjoyment during the flight. This is your flight." said Maj. Smith.

Airman Larrieu received her flight briefing by Lt. Col. Mike "Frosty" Hohman, the pilot assigned to the incentive flight. Maneuvers to be executed during the flight were explained and safety factors were discussed during the briefing. Immediately following the briefing, both Maj. Hohman and Airman Larrieu dawned their equipment for the flight to include G-suit and helmet with oxygen mask.

After preflight checks, the F-16 taxied to the runway. Upon receiving clearance from the tower, the Mako jet screamed into the sky climbing vertically to 15,000 feet. Airman Larrieu enjoyed a ride over the Florida Keys, several acrobatic maneuvers and withstood a 9-G turn. "I have never experienced anything like it. The 9-Gs were a little painful but well worth it. I am thrilled to have had this opportunity," said Airman Larrieu. Maj. Hohman awarded Senior Airman Larrieu with her 9-G Club certificate.

Airman Larrieu has been an Air Force Reservist for 18 months. She served in the Navy Reserve for two years before switching over. "The career choices and the professionalism attracted me to the Air Force Reserve." said Larrieu. "I've met a lot of wonderful people since joining the Air Force Reserve. It's easy to extend my enthusiasm to others about the Air Force Reserve and encourage them to join. The training I receive is developing my potential as an airman and complements my personal growth." Larrieu is also a second lieutenant with the Civil Air Patrol, a wife and mother of four. She also teaches culinary arts at the Spartanburg Community College.

Airman Larrieu's recruiter was Master Sgt. Joe Walker, currently assigned to the Keesler AFB, Miss., Operating Location. "Sergeant Walker was great. He was very professional and answered all of my questions," said Larrieu. "He informed me of the Get 1 Now program and assisted me in setting up my account." A grateful Sergeant Walker said, "Airman Dawn Larrieu is one of the most dedicated and driven individuals that I have had the privilege to know. I explained the Get 1 Now program to her and it was like pouring gas onto a fire. She would either come by my office or call me to relay information about a new prospect."

The Get 1 Now program is the Air Force Reserve Command program that encourages Air Force Reservists to refer family, friends, and coworkers that may be interested in joining the reserve to the local recruiters. This allows reserve members to refer people that could benefit from being a member of the Air Force Reserve and potentially serve along someone they know. In FY06 the Air Force Reserve accessed 8505 new airmen. The Get 1 Now program was responsible for a large percentage of those accessed. It is one of the most successful lead sources for Air Force Reserve recruiting.