High-Tech Recruiting Office Opens In Seattle
Story & photos by SPC Charles Ames
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On Friday, April 17th, the Washington Army National Guard opened the next generation in recruiting offices on Seattle's 45th Avenue, near the University of Washington. The station is the first of it's kind in the United States, representing a new concept in storefront recruiting stations offering a wide range of multimedia enhancements.
MG Gregory P. Barlow, The Adjutant General of the Washington National Guard spoke at the grand opening. "In the Washington National Guard, our people are our most important resource and our top priority. This new recruiting station is one example of how we are changing to remain relevant, and keep pace with our society."
The new recruiting station will be commanded by SFC Telahun, shown at right with MG Barlow (left) and State Representative Dave Schmidt (center) at the ribbon cutting.
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Dynamic displays, and interactive exhibits will demonstrate to potential recruits the excitement and challenges faced by National Guard soldiers everyday. These displays are intended to draw potential recruits in the door, and they succeed - it's hard not to be drawn inside with a HMMWV parked in the front window.
"Hundreds of university students and thousands of cars pass this location every day. That is important when you realize that we are two blocks from the largest university in the region, with the largest medical and law schools, as well as dozens of other specialties needed in the Guard," according to LTC Mike Johnson (shown at right, background right), head of the state's recruiting office.
LTC Johnson extended an open invitation to current members of the Guard and other military organizations as well. He wants everyone to feel welcome and at home at this new hi-tech Recruiting station. Said Johnson, "We want this to be a place where anyone will feel welcome, and proud of what they do for the citizens of Washington."
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In fact the stations first recruit was the postman serving the area. He was formerly a member of the active duty Army. He came in for a look around and enlisted in the Washington Army National Guard on the spot! "The opportunities are tremendous for students and residents of this area: it's a win-win situation for all of them, and all of us," said BG Lee S. Legowik (pictured below), the Assistant Adjutant General for Army.
Other guests at the Grand Opening included BG Terry Reed, Commander of the Seattle based 81st Infantry Brigade, COL Richard Read, Chief of Staff for the Washington National Guard, members of the advertising agency that assisted with the recruiting station project, and other Washington Guard soldiers. Even the Navy was represented when recruiters from the neighboring Navy and Marine recruiting station stopped by to exchange business cards.
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The debut of the new station coincides with the introduction of a "fully wrapped" transit bus carrying National Guard theme advertising, that will see constant use in the Seattle area over the next year.
For More Information On Washington Army National Guard Recruiting Opportunities Visit Their Home Page!
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