For Sargent Vanesa Wagner, her role as a U.S. Air Force recruiter is about more than just signing people up. It’s about giving back to her community, helping young people discover their passions, and opening doors to opportunities they might not have considered. She’s made it her mission to reach students in local high schools and show them the educational and career possibilities the Air Force can provide.
Sargent Wagner’s own journey into the U.S. Air Force began back in 2017. Like many others, she started the process by visiting a recruiter’s office, taking the ASVAB test, and going through the Military Entrance Processing Station (MEPS). At the time, she wasn’t sure exactly what she wanted to do in the Air Force, so she relied on her test scores to guide her.
“I didn’t know what I wanted to do, so I kind of just went with the aptitude scores in the ASVAB,” she shared. She ended up choosing a path in avionics technology, specifically in guidance and control. This gave her the chance to work with electronics and avionics systems, a field that was both challenging and rewarding. Her first assignment brought her to Little Rock Air Force Base, where she’s now been stationed for eight years.
It wasn’t long before Sargent Wagner realized she had a passion for talking to people and promoting the organization that had given her so much. That’s when she decided to transition to recruiting.
As a recruiter, her goal is to spread the word about the opportunities the Air Force has to offer—just like it had done for her. She wants to help young people start their independent lives, gain access to higher education, and explore careers they might never have thought about.
“The Air Force gave me the opportunity to start my own independent life and allowed me to travel through the world she said. Now, she’s passionate about helping others experience those same benefits. “I definitely wanted to spread the good news and get some more applicants to also experience what I had.”
Wagner is especially focused on reaching high school students. She believes it’s crucial for juniors and seniors to know all their options before they make important decisions about their future. “In Searcy, my goal is to continue building relationships with all four high schools,” she said, listing Riverview, Searcy, Pangburn, and White County Central High Schools. Wagner also serves as the recruiter for the areas of Batesville and Cave City, and her outreach extends all the way to Mountain Home.
For her, it’s not just about recruiting; it’s about making sure students have the information they need to make an informed choice about their next steps—whether that’s going straight to college or joining the Air Force while still pursuing higher education.
Despite her passion and dedication, Sargent Wagner faces challenges in her role. One of the biggest obstacles is overcoming the misconceptions people have about the Air Force. “The most challenging part is definitely breaking through some misconceptions, such as, ‘Well, if I join the Air Force, all I can do is fly an airplane,’ or, ‘I’m afraid of heights,’” she said with a smile.
She makes it a point to educate students about the wide range of career options available in the Air Force. “There are over 150 careers they can choose from,” she explained. “Finance, mechanics, electronics, medical, cybersecurity, and intelligence are just a few.”
For anyone curious about what the U.S. Air Force has to offer, Sargent Wagner is always ready to talk. Whether it’s about career paths, educational opportunities, or the benefits of military service, she encourages people to reach out.
“The best way to get in touch is by phone or text message at 501-218-6279, or via my social media,” she said. You can find her online as Sergeant Wagner Air Force Recruiter on platforms like Facebook and Instagram.
Sargent Wagner’s commitment to helping local students discover their potential is clear. Whether she’s visiting high schools in Searcy or traveling to Batesville and beyond, her goal remains the same: to ensure that every young person knows they have options for their future.
With her own story as proof of what’s possible, she’s determined to give others the chance to achieve their goals—just like she did.
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