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Top Wrench was developed to help high school students gain a new perspective on how the decisions they are making now will affect them in the future, and is aimed at stopping the abuse of drugs and alcohol among teens.
“We use the competition for two reasons, as a recruiting tool for the Air National Guard and to teach them about a drug free life style,” said Master Sgt. Richard Payne, aircraft maintenance supervisor for the 134th ARW.
During the competition students compete in six different areas; pit crew challenge (fastest tire change), custom paint contest, static engine challenge (basic engine troubleshooting), welding and fabrication contest, computer control car challenge, and valve cover race (students build race cars out of valve covers). Students also get a chance to tour the base and see static displays of aircraft, military vehicles and weapons.
Top Wrench will be an all-day event and in addition to the competition, there will be vintage and new cars on display for the students to enjoy.
“Top wrench is April 6. 2017,” Said Payne. “We will begin at 0830 and conclude around 1330. We hope to have members from the local Ford Model A club in attendance, along with the Knoxville Area Corvair Club and the regional chapter of the Antique Automobile Club of America.”
Top Wrench is not just about competition. The true spirit of Top Wrench is to provide students with a fresh perspective, one that spurs them to follow their dreams and not allow drugs and alcohol to stifle them.
“For me a vocational program was a better route than a four year college,” said Payne. “Whether students fit into a four year school or a vocational school we are here to encourage them and let them know that nothing can hold them back from doing what they want to do in life, except themselves.”
The competition also showcases the benefits the Air National Guard has to offer for those who have thought the military is the path for them, and for those who have never experienced military life.
“If students want to join the Air National Guard we can help them with educational benefits and give them a chance to be a part of something bigger than themselves, but I always say don’t ever let anyone tell you, you can’t do something,” said Payne. “Where there is a will, there is a way.”
Tech Sgt. Cameron Lale a services craftsman for the 134th ARW stated he would have loved the opportunity to do this when he was in school and hopes the students that come to this event, not only compete, but learn the value of a trade and how drugs and alcohol may hinder their future success.
For more information on Top Wrench, visit http://www.topwrenchcompetition.com/contact.html.
| Date Taken: | 03.14.2017 |
| Date Posted: | 03.14.2017 14:48 |
| Story ID: | 226801 |
| Location: | KNOXVILLE, TN, US |
| Web Views: | 79 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Tennessee Airmen to host 2017 Top Wrench Competition, inspire local teens, by SSgt Ben Mellon, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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