SIOUX FALLS, S.D. -- Sixteen members of the Delayed Entry Program enlisted into the Marine Corps during a swear-in ceremony at the Sioux Falls Airshow July 21-22.
More than 85 men and women from South Dakota and Minnesota swore the oath of enlistment, which was administered by Air Force Maj. Henry Schantz from his F-22 cockpit.
"Being a part of the airshow was a great experience," said Logan Waldner, a 17-year-old senior at Worthington High School. "All of us are excited to take the next step in our lives."
Ceremony participants enlisted out of Recruiting Station Twin Cities' Sioux Falls, S.D., office.
"The crowd gave them a standing ovation both days," said Sgt. Nate Campbell, 30, from Ironton, Ohio. "I'm glad they had the opportunity to see that there are people out there who appreciate the sacrifices they're going to make for their country."
The airshow also included a performance from the Blue Angels and an AV-8B Harrier demonstration.
"We haven't even gone to boot camp yet and people are thanking us for our service," said Waldner, who ships off to recruit training on July 7, 2013. "It's appreciated, but we don't deserve it yet."
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