BANGOR – Tech. Sgt. Russell White and Tech. Sgt. Clinton Peebles haven’t lacked for travel opportunities since joining the Air Force in 1985 and 1989.

White is an Ellsworth native and 1983 Ellsworth High School graduate who has deployed multiple times in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, most recently in 2004 as an aerial gunner aboard a special operations helicopter.

Peebles is a telephone maintenance technician from Perkinsville, Vt., and a 1989 graduate of Springfield Union High School in Springfield, Vt.

“I became a recruiter to help promote a positive image of the Air Force in and around my community, and to provide qualified, highly motivated young people to complete the Air Force mission,” said White, who has been involved with various humanitarian and military operations throughout Europe, Africa and Southwest Asia. “I chose to recruit in Bangor because I’m originally from the area and have a good working knowledge of the people and places I’m involved with.”

For Peebles, who enlisted in 1989, a chance to be stationed close to home while fulfilling the needs of the Air Force was an added incentive for becoming a recruiter.

Both White and Peebles cited education as a reason for joining the Air Force.

Even though the men are both from New England, wear the same blue uniform and have the same job, they are quite different in what they do away from the office.

“I enjoy reading Golf Digest and Tom Clancy novels,” said White, who is the son of Harold “Tug” White of Ellsworth and Anne Marston of Bangor. “My hobbies include playing golf, softball, detailing my cars and watching the Maine Black Bears and Boston Red Sox.”

White is accompanied by his wife, Christena, who is from County Tipperary, Ireland, and their two children, Declan, 6, and Padraig, 2.

Peebles comes to Maine with his wife, Nicole, who is from Queidersbach, Germany.

“I enjoy reading the Air Force Times and any book by Stephen King and Anne Coulter,” said Peebles, the son of Carol Strout of Red Lion, Pa. “My hobbies include fishing, four-wheeling and computers, listening to music, going to the movies and watching the New Orleans Saints, Colorado Avalanche and the Boston Red Sox.”

Those interested in learning more about Air Force opportunities may call White and Peebles at 942-9509 or 942-9574. Their office is located at 667 Hogan Road, Suite 7, at the Maine Square Mall in Bangor. To obtain more information about the Air Force, visit www.airforce.com.