SIEVERS URGES YOUTH TO CONSIDER GUARD

Darrell Sievers can think of worse ways to spend a weekend than suiting up for the Tennessee Air National Guard.

"I work in Jackson and live in Jackson," said the Jackson policeman. "It's kind of nice to get paid once a month to leave town."

Sievers, a member for 12 years, brought recruiter Sgt. Brad Tidwell to town Wednesday evening to speak to a group of Jackson teen-agers. Sievers stressed that the meeting was in a "stress-free environment" and that "nobody will be signing anything."

The informational meeting included a video. Tidwell, stationed in Memphis, Tenn., also answered numerous questions about the Air National Guard.

Sievers was formerly in the Missouri Air National Guard but found the drive to Memphis only a fraction of the trip to St. Joseph, where the Missouri unit trains.

Sievers, known for his rapport with local teen-agers, thinks the Guard has something to offer to most young people.

"It pays for college, offers delayed entry and will take married or single individuals," he said. "If you're physically and mentally up to the challenge, you can't beat the opportunity."

Many of the students' questions pertained to being "up to" the challenge. Tidwell and Sievers both stressed that anyone playing high school sports should have no trouble with basic training. Sievers also noted that one's record does not have to be as spotless as in past years.

"Requirements have been lifted quite a bit," he said.

Information may be obtained by calling (901) 541-7133 or 1-800-354-9894.