Local Reserve recruiter’s inevitable journey Published July 9, 2010 By Ms. Tamara Cario 911 AW/RS PITTSBURGH IAP ARS -- When she began her Air Force career in Information Management, Master Sgt. Dawn Serakowski was in her element. "I loved my AFSC [Air Force Specialty Code] because it was customer service oriented and I had the opportunity to work with a lot of great people," she said. With a stepfather who was a loadmaster at the 911th Airlift Wing, a stepsister who was an Air Traffic Controller at Lakenheath Air Base, England, and assorted uncles who were also in the Air Force, it was almost inevitable that Sergeant Serakowski would join the military. "It was something that I had always considered from a young age. I tried college first, but this was the best route for me." After being Active Duty Air Force for six years, she wanted to be closer to her family in Pittsburgh so she went Palace Chase and joined the 911th Airlift Wing family. "I got to work in the Operations Group. It was one of the best moves I ever made," said Sergeant Serakowski. Switching over to recruiter was the next natural step for her. "I wanted to make an impact. I wanted to help people who had the desire to join the AF Reserve and feel good about doing it. To this day, I can honestly say it is one of the most rewarding jobs I have ever had." Flexibility, says Sergeant. Serakowski, is the best thing about being a Reservist because it is what the Air Force Reserve is all about. "You have the opportunity to be a member of the world's greatest Air and Space power while maintaining a secure and stable life for yourself close to home. We are a network of individuals who understand you are not only mastering a skill within the AF Reserve, but you have a whole set of other obligations the rest of the month and without flexibility we would not be able to do what we do every day."