Mass enlistment for 445th Reservists to be held at Ohio State

  • Published
  • By Stacy Vaughn
  • 445th Public Affairs
New enlistees coming into the Air Force Reserves and current reservists assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing will be standing in front of a crowd of more than 10,000 football fans, the Ohio State football team and the Ohio State University Marching Band to take the Oath of Enlistment during the pre-game Ohio State University vs. Wisconsin "skull session" at the St. John Arena in Columbus, Ohio, Oct. 10.

Master Sgt. Robert McDonald, recruiter for the 445th Airlift Wing Reserve Recruiting Squadron, said planning for the mass enlistment ceremony began back in November. "This is a 445th Airlift Wing event that we've been putting together for several months now. We anticipate 30-50 new enlistees coming into our wing and 10-12 current reservists already assigned to the wing will be taking part in the ceremony during the "skull session"," Sergeant McDonald said. 

Those new to the Buckeye State may not understand what the "skull session" is. The OSU traditional "skull session" is the pep rally held before each football game at the St. John Arena. Two hours prior to kickoff, the OSU marching band performs Buckeye favorites and the players and coaches speak to the crowd. With roots back to 1932, the "skull session" sometimes features the visiting team's marching band, and even local high school bands. After the pep rally, the football team and fans walk over to the Ohio Stadium for the game. 

During the ceremony, a former member of the 445th Airlift Wing will be reading the Oath of Enlistment to the enlistees. Lt. Col. Brady Johnson worked in the 445th Civil Engineer Squadron before accepting a new assignment as the commander of the 911th Civil Engineer Squadron at Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station, Pa.

To help celebrate this special occasion, there will be a tail gate party following the ceremony with free hamburgers and hot dogs for those participating in the ceremony sponsored by the 445th Airlift Wing Recruiting Squadron.

"We anticipate a good turnout. Those participating will be re-enlisting alongside new recruits and will be honored by those attending the "skull session," Sergeant McDonald said.

To participate in the ceremony or for more information about the mass enlistment ceremony, call Sergeant McDonald at (614) 734-9214 or send an e-mail to RMcDonald@afrc.af.mil.