MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Members of the Delayed Entry Program (DEP) from St. Petersburg, Florida, toured MacDill Air Force Base, July 22, 2016.
The visit, which included a trip to various points of interest, provided DEP members, commonly called DEPpers, with insight into the military community and life as an American Airman.
“It is important for the DEP to visit an Air Force base because there is no better way to explain what Air Force life is like on a base,” said Master Sgt. Leon White, enlisted accession recruiter in St. Petersburg. “Applicants get the opportunity to see first-hand how their lives could be by visiting the dormitories, dining facility, and world class fitness facilities.”
The group began the day with a walk-through of the military working dog (MWD) section.
The MWD handlers explained a variety of apprehension and obedience techniques the dogs have developed since they were pups. The tour continued with a showcase of equipment used to protect the handlers and the dogs during training.
Continuing the tour, the DEP visited the dormitories and had lunch at Diner’s Reef, MacDill’s dining facility.
Master Sgt. Ju Anna McWilliams, Airmen dorm leader assigned to the 6th Civil Engineer Squadron, allowed the DEPpers to walk through a dorm room so they could see what kind of living arrangements are offered to single Airmen arriving to their first duty station.
“The dining facility and dorm tour was great,” said Austin Taylor, St. Petersburg DEP member. “Visiting the base really helped me see what Air Force life is like and reassured my decision to join.”
The tour concluded with a walk-through of the Short Fitness Center. Airman 1st Class Jeffrey Shiao Kang, a fitness specialist assigned to the 6th Force Support Squadron, guided the group through the gym and explained different programs and opportunities the Air Force offers through fitness centers.
“I am retiring from the Air Force in September, and this is the last tour I will be a part of,” said White. “I want to make sure these DEPpers get the same quality experience as my first set of DEPpers. My goal is to give the DEP members the best possible experience while they're in the DEP, and re-energize their decision to serve their country.