Air Force Recruiter Shares Career Pathways with Bolingbrook Athletes

Bolingbrook High School recently hosted an assembly featuring U.S. Air Force recruiter Technical Sergeant Sterlin Perkins. The event, facilitated by DistrictWON, brought together the Boys and Girls Volleyball Program, provided students with valuable insights into military service, career opportunities, and leadership development.

Head Boys and Girls Volleyball Coach Molly DeSerf reflected on the assembly’s impact, noting how it broadened students’ understanding of the Air Force and other military branches.

“The recruiter provided opportunities for students to learn a different aspect of the Air Force while also gaining perspective on other branches of service. The students were highly engaged and had the chance to ask questions that directly related to their interests, making the experience more meaningful,” said DeSerf.

The assembly offered clarity about military service, dispelling common misconceptions.

“There is sometimes a misunderstanding of what serving in the military truly means, and this session provided much-needed clarity,” DeSerf added.

The presentation resonated with the students on multiple levels.

“There was a lot of engagement from our athletes. They took the presentation and made it relative to what they wanted to learn,” DeSerf said.

Many students were surprised by the vast range of career paths available in the Air Force, including opportunities beyond combat roles, such as engineering, medical fields, and aviation technology.

Technical Sergeant Perkins shared his journey in the Air Force, emphasizing the personal and professional growth he has experienced.

“I started as an electrician, working with power distribution for critical infrastructures. Now, as an Enlisted Career Advisor, I help young adults explore their potential and guide them in making informed decisions about their futures,” said Perkins.

Perkins highlighted the parallels between athletics and military service, explaining how sports help prepare individuals for the Air Force.

“Athletes already embody many of the qualities we value, such as teamwork, discipline, and leadership. In the Air Force, we call it ‘wingmanship,’ where you rely on your team just like you would in a game,” he explained.