CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Local area students got to hear and see what life is like for pilots, loadmasters and firefighters on an Air Force base by participating in a field trip to Charleston AFB March 3.
The students, from Devon Forest Elementary School in Goose Creek, are part of a program called "Staying on Track Pack." Eleven students earned the chance to visit the base by working in an academic and discipline modification system, which encourages them to stay on the right path, according to Ann Bradford, In-School Suspension Program coordinator.
To help inspire the children to succeed, field trips were designed to help students realize that they can make personal goals and work hard towards accomplishing them, she said.
"Each teacher set positive motivation criteria for each student to earn points for this special field trip," Mrs. Bradford said. "The program was designed for each individual by their home room teacher. The student may need assistance achieving academic goals, creating a better pattern of classroom discipline or simply a motivational goal to plan personal achievements."
To help highlight the mission on base, children toured a static C-17 and the 437th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire and Emergency Services Flight. During the static portion of the tour, pilots and loadmasters came out to join the group and explain to them what their jobs entailed and the capabilities of the C-17.
"The military has so many career choices and we wanted these boys to experience some of them," Mrs. Bradford said. "[So they could] see and hear firsthand the discipline and educational requirements required to set these jobs as a future career goal."
Through volunteering for the tour, one pilot, who wanted to be pilot since he was a child, wanted the boys to go away from the tour with a sense of what accomplishing a goal can do for them.
"I am hoping the students realize that dreams can and do come true if you put your mind and positive efforts into it," said Capt. Pablo Dieppa, 437th Airlift Wing Aircrew Training Flight chief pilot. "Telling today's youth that anything is possible is not enough, but if you show them examples of the great potential, it will spark their interests and possibly help them establish goals for their bright futures."
While the tour lasted less than a day, Mrs. Bradford hopes it will have a lasting effect on her students.
"We wanted them to hear from [the mentors participating in the tour] that making good grades, being respectful and disciplined are key factors to success.
"We feel that the mission was accomplished by all who were involved in making this field trip possible ... the trip will be a lasting experience for them all."