Navajo students have ‘a moment of science’ with 97 AMW AIM program Published May 23, 2023 By Airman 1st Class Heidi Bucins 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla.--The Aviation Inspiration and Mentorship program at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, partnered with Navajo Public Schools for an immersive tour around the base, May 10, 2023. The excursion engaged 23 students in several science, technology, engineering and math activities such as 3-D printing, flight simulations and virtual reality headsets. The tour also allowed students to visit several squadrons to see what Airmen do on a daily basis. U.S Air Force Maj. Megan Edson, 97th Air Mobility Wing AIM Wing program director, shared the importance of the event. “The AIM program aims to inspire future leaders in the Air Force, using mentorship to excite students to consider STEM and aviation careers,” she said. “We want to include the diverse groups from our local schools and show them that they have a place in our community.” Kenna Hand, a Navajo Public School teacher, expressed why the AIM tour was a valuable experience for her students. “We really love that the base is involved in so many things,” she said. “Kids can come out and see different STEM career opportunities and relate them to some of the things they are learning in school.” The students had hands-on experience with preparing parachutes, using survival gear, utilizing black lights to find damage in aircraft metal, and more. The day concluded with a tour of a C-17 Globemaster III.