Racing team helps recruit for Air Force Reserve Published Aug. 22, 2012 By Tech. Sgt. Gerald Sonnenberg 932nd AW Public Affairs GRANITE CITY, Ill. -- It was hot, and the humidity was high Friday night at TriCity Speedway in Granite City, Ill., Aug. 3. The deep roar of engines, the harsh sound of torque wrenches removing and replacing lug nuts, the smell of oil and exhaust, clouds of dust filling the air from the dirt track and sweat was all around, and the Air Force Reserve was there recruiting Airmen into its ranks. Wearing a blue Air Force Reserve shirt, Col. Albert Lupenski, 932nd Airlift Wing (AW) commander, addressed the race fans before the National Anthem, and then promoted the Air Force Reserve. Also wearing the same shirt was one of the racing teams. Recruiters assigned to the 932nd Airlift Wing successfully met their 2012 recruiting goals early. Part of that success is due to Air Force Reserve Command's (AFRC) sponsorship of Salty Dog Racing, owned by retired Senior Master Sgt. Bob Salter and his son and driver Rick. Salter is a former member of the 932nd AW's Maintenance Squadron (MXS). Working alongside the Salter family for the last seven years is Airman 1st Class Adam Broeckling, a current member of the 932nd MXS and a direct result of the AFRC sponsorship. "Shortly after the Air Force Reserve began their sponsorship four years ago, I started talking to the recruiters, and about six months after that, I signed up," said Broeckling, who is a crew chief working on the 932nd's C-40C aircraft. His skills are essential in maintaining the excellent condition of the wing's aircraft. He's also been able to apply those skills to his work with Salty Dog Racing. "A lot of what we do on the aircraft is preflight and post flight inspections," said Broeckling, who began working for Salty Dog Racing at age 17. "That entails a huge amount of attention to detail. There are so many aspects to the C-40C that if you really weren't paying attention, could become a major problem. I've actually been able to use the skills I've learned in the Air Force Reserve on the race car to help keep the car running strong and cut down on mechanical failures." That night, the Air Force Reserve-sponsored vehicle was among dozens of other super late model cars vying for a spot in the finals by placing in the top four of each heat. Racing eight cars at a time, Salty Dog placed fourth in their heat. After the first race, Broeckling and other crew members worked alongside 139 other crews to quickly make adjustments and minor repairs to the #1S car. The top 20 cars would race in the final. That night, Salty Dog finished eighth in the finals, but for the Air Force Reserve, it was a win. "Broeckling is an example of how getting the word out on the Air Force Reserve can result in getting new recruits," said Lupenski. "This kind of visibility, as well as all of the other efforts taking place by recruiters to help bring top-notch young men and women in to serve their country are essential in keeping the Air Force Reserve and what it offers in the forefront of communities across the nation."