Recruiting Gets a Boost

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael Duhe
  • 403rd Wing Public Affairs
KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, MISS. --  The 403rd Wing's recruiting effort received a huge boost May 2-3 as the Air Force Reserve Jet Car amazed crowds at the N'Awlins Air Show in New Orleans. 

With flames spewing from its Westinghouse J34-48 jet engine, the car roared down the runway four times over the weekend, racing a low-flying, single-engine stunt plane. 

Crowds inspected the car up close in front of an eye-catching 80-foot tractor trailer featuring Air Force Reserve photos and graphics. Members of the 403rd Recruiting Squadron, who coordinated the jet car's appearance at the air show, were on hand to answer questions about the Air Force Reserve and hand out giveaways to the kids. 

The man behind the wheel of the jet car is no stranger to the Air Force Reserve. He's Bill Braack, a 20-year Air Force Reserve retiree. His Air Force career began as an active duty aircraft maintainer, working on F-111s and T-37s.  After earning his private pilot's license and cross-training, he left active duty and joined the Air Force Reserve in 1991.

Braack first became interested in drag racing as a teenager in high school, racing at the Woodburn (Oregon) Drag Strip. But once he developed a love for flying, his interest in drag racing "went by the way side for a while," he said. He enjoyed the life of a flight engineer and earned a college degree during that time. 

He first became involved in the jet car in 1995 as a crew member. The jet car, which was not yet affiliated with the Air Force Reserve, was designed by Scott Hammack. 

"He was driving at that time and I started as a general helper," Braack recalled. "Then we started working on a marketing campaign to secure follow-on sponsorship. Several years later, in 2002, we put the deal together with the Air Force Reserve for the 2003 air show season." 

Braack began training in the driver's seat in 2005, the same year he retired from the Air Force Reserve. The following year, he began driving the jet car at air shows. 

Last year, the jet car performed at air shows at Eielson Air Force Base and Elmendorf AFB in Alaska. This year, the Air Force Reserve Jet Car is racing at 18 air shows throughout the U.S. 

Following each run, Braack signs autographs and talks with members of the crowd who visit the display. A common question involves the speed of the jet car. It's capable of reaching a speed of approximately 400 mph in nine seconds if Braack runs it "all out," and there are no distance limitations. However, because of the high winds at last weekends air show, he leveled off at around 300 mph. 

"That's part of the reason why I just caught up to the tail of the airplane and didn't get in front of him," he explained. 

Braack's opponent for the races varies, but it's always another air show performer that he chooses at his discretion. He meets with the pilot before hand to discuss factors such as speed, altitude and radio frequency. 

Before each race, Braack and the pilot engage in some good-natured trash talking over the VHF radio that is broadcasted over the air show public address system. Last weekend, Braack taunted the pilot of the Lucas Oil stunt plane about his limited horsepower, while the pilot replied with "Wings over wheels, any day." 

The diesel-fueled jet car is a tremendous "lead generator" for the Air Force Reserve recruiting effort, Braack said. A lead is a considered a potential recruit who meets initial qualification standards. "The jet car and the 80-foot tractor trailer is a huge presence wherever we go." 

Senior Master Sgt. Robert Vazquez, senior recruiter for the 403rd Recruiting Squadron, agreed. 

"It definitely catches the eye and it's a great attraction," Sergeant Vazquez said. "When it zooms down the flightline, it's just amazing and blows everyone away. And then they bring the car back, and the audience flocks to us. We tell everyone that this is just one example of the power of the Air Force and its professionalism - how we conduct ourselves and how we're a team. Bill Braack and his team emphasize that all the way." 

Erik Ricketts is Braack's crew chief. He's responsible for a wide range of duties, including servicing the car before and after each run, coordinating VHF radio communication with the pilot and speeding out to the runway in a support car to start each race. He also recovers the jet car following the race. 

"Most importantly, he's my eyes out on the runway, looking behind me to tell when it's time to light the burner and chase that airplane," Braack said. 

In addition to numerous awards and decorations, Braack was one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for the Air Force Reserve in 1997. He and his wife, Charlene, have four children and live in Washington, just south of McChord AFB. His family occasionally accompanies him on air show appearances. His oldest son, Jeffrey, 17, has shown an interest in racing. "I think eventually it will evolve and he'll become part of the crew," Braack said. 

Although he no longer drives the car at air shows, Scott Hammack and his wife, Linda, remain involved in the jet car program. They provide winter maintenance and technical support when needed. 

For now, Braack said he is looking forward to racing at upcoming air shows. The future of the Air Force Reserve Jet Car is full of promise. An appearance in a local Mardi Gras parade next year is being discussed, as is a tour with the USO that would involve international appearances. 

"We would be honored to do that," Braack said. "We continue to look for more creative ways to generate more leads for the Air Force Reserve."