Air Force Recruiting Efforts Ramp Up in South Hills area

Last Updated on Friday, 09 April 2021 15:39

By Matthew Peaslee

The Steel Airmen of the 911^th Airlift Wing say they offer the best part-time job in Pittsburgh. The Air Force Reserve offers 70 exciting careers to choose from, paid basic and technical training, student-assistance programs, a steady pay check, leadership and management opportunities and veteran’s benefits.

Master Sgt. Jeremiah Murphy is the Air Force Technician Recruiter with the 911th Airlift Wing,

Plus, there are the once-in-a-lifetime chances to travel around the world.

Master Sgt. Jeremiah Murphy is the Air Force Technician Recruiter with the 911^th Airlift Wing, which is based out of the Pittsburgh Air Reserve Station at Pittsburgh International Airport. He is a native of Western Pennsylvania, attending North Hills High School. Murphy joined the Active Duty Air Force in 2009.

“Recruiting Western PA is tough,” Murphy said. “Our biggest challenge here is awareness. I grew up in the area and didn’t know that Pittsburgh had an Air Force Reserve station here until I was already in the Air Force.”

Now, Murphy helps to raise awareness at high schools throughout the region. Like every organization during the COVID-19 pandemic, the 911^th Airlift Wing is having to move many of their in-person recruiting events to virtual meetings.

“We are doing a lot of working virtually and digitally like everyone else,” Murphy said. “That can create a lot of challenges but also gives us a lot of opportunities to reach people who aren’t comfortable with in-person meetings yet.”

Murphy tells interested high school students to focus on core classes like Math and English because it will help them in taking the required Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery exam. A good score on the ASVAB will help recruits qualify for more job options.

This past year, several graduates from South Park and Baldwin have enlisted in the Air Force Reserve and the 911^th Airlift Wing is currently working on a partnership with Bethel Park High School athletics. Murphy has been in his position as a recruiter for nearly 10 years and has traveled throughout the South Hills-Mon Valley areas extensively. He has also spent time in California and Florida before he had the opportunity to come back home.

“I started my recruiting career because after experiencing how much the Air Force helped me become who I was, I wanted to be a part of helping others have that option as well,” Murphy said.

He first started out as a Security Forces Airman, otherwise known as Military Police, and served in South Korea and Afghanistan. Murphy hopes to find others, like him, who have a desire to better themselves. With a career in this field people may find their inner discipline, work on successful teams and cultivate a sense of adventure.

“We have a lot of positions and openings in aircraft maintenance,” Murphy said. “We are hiring full-time and part-time positions for that here at the 911^th. You don’t need any prior experience in that field, just a desire to learn. We are really looking for members who want to be a part of a team and work together for a goal that is bigger than just personal achievements.”

To schedule a visit with the Steel Airmen recruiting staff, call 412-474-8555.