Photo By Melanie Casineau | A group of 40 cadets from various AFROTC colleges stand for a photo on the flight...... read more read more
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Approximately 40 Air Force ROTC cadets visited the 104th Fighter Wing at Barnes Air National Guard Base, Westfield, Massachusetts on April 10 to learn about the unit's mission and operations.
Cadets traveled from Yale University, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of New Hampshire, Worcester Polytechnic Institute and Boston University. For many, it was their first time on a military installation.
Cadet Capt. Lorelei Hetzler, special events officer for Detachment 370 at UMass Amherst, helped plan and coordinate the visit.
“This opportunity gives the underclassmen a way to see jets on a flight line, speak in person to pilots, hear experiences from security forces, learn about the different weapons systems on the F-15, and the history of the aircraft,” Hetzler said. “I hope to inspire cadets with knowledge about the United States Air Force.”
During the visit, cadets received a pilot briefing, watched F-15 Eagle jets launch and learned about Tactical Combat Casualty Care (TCCC), emergency management and security forces. After lunch, they participated in a panel discussion with officers from the 104th.
Maj. Jeremy Polastry, commander of the 104th Fighter Wing’s Logistics Readiness Squadron, shared advice about leadership and learning on the job.
“Don’t think you know how to do the job better than the person you're speaking to, even if you might,” Polastry said. “Let them do it. Let them fail or succeed. There’s nothing wrong with taking a few seconds to make a decision.”
1st Lt. Stephanie Walker, weapons officer with the 104th, encouraged cadets to embrace discomfort as a path to growth.
“It’s OK to feel uncomfortable,” she said. “I encourage you to do the uncomfortable—like public speaking—if that’s what it is. It’s the best way you will grow.”
Officers on the panel emphasized the importance of learning from mistakes and being adaptable. “Don’t be afraid to change your decision based on new information,” Polastry said. “You have four years post-commissioning to ask questions, and that’s expected of you. Use that time, and don’t be embarrassed.”
Retired Col. David Meek, an AFROTC instructor at UMass Amherst, said the visit was a unique experience for the cadets. While most are typically on track for active duty, several expressed newfound interest in the Air National Guard.
“The cadets thoroughly enjoyed the visit, and I’m sure a few will even find their way into the Guard at some point,” Meek said.
Members of the 104th Fighter Wing said they were proud to share their mission and experiences with the next generation of Air Force leaders.
| Date Taken: | 04.10.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 05.05.2025 07:24 |
| Story ID: | 496943 |
| Location: | WESTFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS, US |
| Web Views: | 31 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 104th Fighter Wing hosts AFROTC tour, bolsters recruiting possibilities, by Melanie Casineau, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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