NEW YORK –
Air Force exhibits were spread over two blocks of Times Square to help educate citizens about Airmen and the Air Force mission Aug. 26 as part of Air Force Week New York.
Thousands of passersby visited an F-16 Thunderbird and a Monster Truck display, while listening to the sounds of the Air Force Band of Liberty's Afterburner and taking part in interactive Air Force displays.
Many New York City Air Force recruiters were on hand for the event, including Staff Sgt. Bryan Rivera, a New York native who is working as a recruiter in the same office where he joined almost eight years ago.
"Air Force Week is creating awareness in different communities and different boroughs," he said. "People who've never had any knowledge about the Air Force are getting the opportunity to see what we are about and ask questions. This helps us get out the message about what the Air Force does for the country ... and how they can be a part of the world's greatest Air Force."
Passersby in Times Square also witnessed a group of Air Force recruits taking the oath of enlistment.
"There's a lot of support out here," said Rosa Cruz, a Bronx native and one of the Air Force recruits who will be heading to Basic Military Training in September. "There were lots of people standing by, watching and taking pictures. It's a good feeling."
For more information on Air Force Week New York, go to www.airforceweek.af.mil. (AFNS)