WASHINGTON — The Air Force and Space Force intend to redefine how Americans celebrate the men and women who serve. The inspiration came from sports.

The services held a “National Signing Day” ceremony, swearing in 40 members of the Delayed Entry Program on Aug. 15 at the Rayburn Foyer of the U.S. Capitol.

This signing-in ceremony, believed to be the first of its kind, was the brainchild of Rob Wilkins. Wilkins came up with the idea as he watched his son sign a letter of intent for the Gettysburg College football team. It was an emotional event.

“We shed tears during athletics events, for athletes who push themselves. We celebrate their achievements, and so, why can’t we do the same for the men and women who put their lives on the line?” said Wilkins, a 26-year Air Force retiree.

Chief Master Sgt. Ladiwina Gilly opened the ceremony with a recognition of what this upcoming commitment will entail.

“We’re asking them to go out there. We’re asking you to sign up for four to six years to invest your lives in this organization,” Gilly said. “And so as you sit here, ponder about your future ... the chance to be something greater than yourself. Remember your support system. Remember all these things because your journey is beginning now.”

Each recruit put said journey into motion through the Delayed Entry Program. Students in their junior year of high school can qualify for military service, with a job ready for them after their senior year.

Main speaker and a 29-year USAF retiree Robert D. Johnson built upon Gilly’s message and discussed the whys of public service.

“I saw my teenage peers,” Johnson said. “I saw the direction they were heading. I realized, I need to get out of here ... and I got to step foot on six of the seven continents.”

He spoke with several recruits to ask why they wanted to join the military. Their answers varied: love of logistics, career uncertainty, and family and love of media.

“You’ll have good days, and you’ll have bad days,” Johnson explained, “So you have to remember your why. Never forget your diverse perspectives on life.”

Brig. Gen. Craig McPike spoke with a simple, and concise message: “[The Air Force] is the great place to learn your why ... because you’re going to part of a joint team soon with Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard.”

As the event ended, Wilkins shared some final thoughts with the recruits and the rest of the audience: “If you’re not afraid of your dreams, then they’re not big enough.”

Since the Air Force and Space Force already hit their recruiting goals in June, this event serves as the victory lap to those efforts. This ceremony can serve as a reframing of the enlistment process and as an opportunity for growth. The event carries the potential to amend the military’s image as it continues to ramp up recruiting efforts.

Plans are already taking shape.

“We’re planning to hold this event in the White House, and over time make this ceremony a Joint Forces effort,” Wilkins said.

“As an Air Force event, we’d like to start holding these events every six to eight weeks.”

previous coverage

• Number of airmen and guardian recruits eligible for initial enlistment bonuses projected to grow fivefold

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