GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- For Tech. Sgt. Abdoulie Bah, Team Grissom recruiter, 350th Recruiting Squadron, every handshake, every conversation, and every new recruit sworn into the Air Force represents more than a number. It represents a life changed and a mission strengthened. This year, Bah has reached a milestone few recruiters in history have accomplished: 100 accessions in a single fiscal year.
That achievement places Bah in the “Century Club,” an exclusive circle of Air Force recruiters stretching back more than three decades. The last time a recruiter accessed 100 or more new Airmen was in 2014. In the past 20 years, fewer than 10 have earned the distinction, but with a warm smile and adventurous soul, Bah broke barriers.
When the Century Club was established more than 30 years ago, recruiters had to access 100 or more individuals to qualify. That was no easy feat then, and it’s far more difficult today, according to Chief Master Sgt. Derek Hudson, Senior Enlisted Leader 367th Recruiting Group, Robins Air Force Base, Georgia.
Originally from Gambia, West Africa, known as the ‘Smiling Coast of Africa’ for its friendly people and beautiful beaches, Bah started his American adventure in 2014. With family in mind, he joined the Air Force in 2016. He trained and deployed in services, but sought the opportunity for growth and flexibility within the Air Force Reserves in 2022 as an administrative technician, before seeking deeper purpose in recruiting by 2023. There, he looked to the challenge of building the Air Force Reserve he was called to from the frontlines.
"When you love what you do, it’s not a job, it’s a calling,” said Lt. Col. Joan Yarrell, 350th RS commander, “Tech. Sgt. Bah knows how the military changed his life and provided means for his family. So, he wants to change lives and he determined that becoming a recruiter is how he could do that.”
Bah became the first enlisted accessions recruiter on record since the inception of the Air Force Recruiting Information Support System (AFRISS) to reach the 100 mark, trailblazing a path for his peers.
"He’s a trailblazer,” said Hudson, “The Roman Army used the term primus evocatus, when someone sets a benchmark as the first to accomplish a milestone in 20-years. This accomplishment is nothing short of exceptional.”
Bah attributes his success to the hands-on mentorship of Senior Master Sgt. Brian Henline, Grissom Air Reserve Base flight chief, teamwork and family.
"I am grateful to work with my flight chief, who empowered me by giving me all the tools and resources to succeed, while Senior Master Sgt. Nicole Mauss, Team Wright Patterson recruiter, Ohio, stepped up and helped me tackle obstacles,” said Bah.
Bah was the only recruiter on his flight for three months, covering five offices, after the other lead recruiter started terminal leave. He also stepped up to be a lead recruiter, ready to coach and mentor four new rookie recruiters on his flight. With significant credit to him, Team Grissom went from near the bottom three in the Recruiting Command to near the top in just over two years.
Bah said, “Finally, I want to thank the 350th RS, the 367th RCG, and my wife, Fatou Bah, for being there for me and helping me get the job done. It is a privilege to be part of this great team."
Behind the numbers, Bah’s success reflects the power of perseverance and the importance of building trust with every candidate he meets. Each new Airman he has recruited carries forward the Air Force legacy — ready to fly, fight and win for years to come.
"Congratulations to Tech. Sgt. Bah on achieving his 100th accession of the 2025 fiscal year,” Hudson said. “Welcome to a very elite club.”
To learn more about serving in the Air Force, Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve, go to www.airforce.com/find-a-recruiter or download the AIM HIGH app to speak directly with a recruiter.