193rd SOW SMT invites area guidance counselors to tour base

Photo By Tech. Sgt. Tony Harp | U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael Catherman (left), a pilot with the 193rd Special Operations Squadron, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, explains the various controls and instruments on board an EC-130SJ Super J aircraft to Lori Beaver, a guidance counselor from Lower Dauphin High School May 16, 2018, at the 193rd Special Operations Wing in Middletown, Pennsylvania. Beaver and three other guidance counselors from the local area visited the 193rd SOW to gain insight on the ANG to further their knowledge when providing counsel to their students. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Tony Harp/Released)  

MIDDLETOWN, PA, UNITED STATES

05.23.2018

Story by Staff Sgt. Tony Harp 

193rd Special Operations Wing

MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — The 193rd Special Operations Wing Strength Management Team held a Center of Influence event May 16 on base here.

The SMT welcomed guidance counselors from two local-area high schools and provided an opportunity for them to learn more about the Pennsylvania Air National Guard and the 193rd SOW by touring the facilities and speaking with Airmen.

Staff Sgt. Lacey McCuean, a production recruiter and retainer with the 193rd SOW, discussed the focus of these types of visits.

“The main purpose of the tour was to be able to share the 193rd SOW story to some of our students’ biggest supporters and influencers,” said McCuean. “Our school counselors continue to take care of us day to day, every year with all of our recruiting needs. It's nice to be able to give back and let them see something we do. It also helps them understand how we differ from other branches who also assist their students.”

The guidance counselors were able to meet with 193rd SOW Airmen and ask questions about the day to day operations and what it is like being in the ANG.

“From a recruiter standpoint, these types of visits are very important because it allows our key players to be able to really embrace and understand where we come from, as well as the opportunities we can offer the students,” said McCuean. “I also think it's really great because some times its really helpful for counselors to hear the answer from someone other than a recruiter."

The consensus among the counselors was that the visit was an excellent learning experience.

“The whole tour the counselors were in awe about what we do, how we do it,” said McCuean. “Throughout the tour, not only did I hear the counselors speak of their students, I also heard a few say, ‘Wow, I should have done this.’”

• Date Taken: 05.23.2018
• Date Posted: 05.23.2018 13:03
• Story ID: 278107
• Location: MIDDLETOWN, PA, US