Photo By Tech. Sgt. Michael Holzworth | U.S. Air Force Academy Cadet 3rd Class Ashley Flanagan, looks toward the flight deck...... read more read more
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HONOLULU, Hawaii – While most college students are fist-pumping in nightclubs on the Jersey Shore or doing jello shots on a beach in Mexico, the U.S. Air Force Academy cadets from the Way of Life Committee reached out to the community and gained a better appreciation for their future careers as military officers.
The cadets visited Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, and volunteered to spend their spring break learning more about the Air Force and Polynesian culture by reaching out to the local community.
After a short meeting with Gen. Gary North, Pacific Air Forces commander, the cadets were met by 1st Lt. Nikita Wetherbee, a 96th Air Refueling Squadron pilot who gave them a mission briefing for their familiarization flight on a KC-135 Stratotanker. During the flight, they saw F-22 Raptors being refueled and learned the different aspects of the aerial refueling mission.
“I always wanted to fly and I figure the Academy gave me the best chance to do it,” Air Force Academy Freshman, Cadet 4th Class Fiona Akoth said. “I am very excited about this KC-135 flight because I’m majoring in aeronautical engineering and I hope to become an A-10 pilot.”
Each cadet had a different expectation from the spring break visit to Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam.
“I hope to gain the knowledge of what the officer and the enlisted corps function are in the military, even though the Academy tells us how the officer and enlisted should function, it isn’t as good as seeing it function during a mission,” Air Force Academy Junior, Cadet 2nd Class Jerell Alexander said.
The Way of Life Committee at the Air Force Academy offers cadets the chance to network with familiar faces and help with the transition from civilian to military officer.
“This is an amazing experience and opportunity the academy has offered us. I’ve never seen this side of the Air Force; it is really cool,” Air Force Academy Sophomore, Cadet 3rd Class Chante Barber said. “I’m using this trip as a learning experience to help me decide what direction I want to pursue in my career. I wanted to go into the medical field, although becoming a pilot is interesting.”
Even though these dedicated future Air Force leaders didn’t participate in the traditional college right of passage known as “Spring Break,” they still found the time to enjoy the local culture and have some fun.
“We went to the Polynesian Cultural Center and it was great. We are also going out to some high schools and elementary schools to talk to kids about the Air Force and the Academy, and a lot of us are trying surfing and parasailing,” Barber said.
Before their spring break is over the cadets plan to visit the Arizona Memorial, Pearl Harbor and with local schools to speak to students about what the Air Force Academy and the importance of getting an education.
| Date Taken: | 03.27.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 03.29.2012 02:43 |
| Story ID: | 85924 |
| Location: | HI, US |
| Web Views: | 325 |
| Downloads: | 3 |
This work, Not your average "Spring Break", by TSgt Michael Holzworth, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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