WICHITA FALLS, Texas – About 20 Airmen representing five career fields from Sheppard Air Force Base took the opportunity to share the Air Force culture and its opportunities with Booker T. Washington Elementary students as part of the school’s fifth annual career day March 11, 2022.
Airmen gave 100 of the school’s first through fifth graders a firsthand account of life in the Air Force and the opportunities and benefits that come with it. Questions ranged from the camouflage uniforms and patches, travelling, always being teachable and a good team player to the importance of pursuing higher education such as college.
Airman Jacob Perez, 82nd Security Forces Squadron, noted it was a unquie opportunity to spark and inspire the students to seek out the vast options provided by the Air Force. He has been in for about a year and was able to answer a number of questions about the requirements that have to be met in basic military training and what his current role is as a security forces member. He also noted that his father was the inspiration for him to join.
Janet Hughes, who has taught at Booker T. Washington for 22 years, said having the Airman speak to the children showcased the opportunities available for anyone.
“Sheppard is a part of the community and our visit reinforces the importance of the military and respect for the military in the students,” she said.
Airmen participating in the career day did so as part of the Maintainers Outreaching Communities Committee, a small group of committed to “Empowering Communities, Capturing Hope and Developing Futures.” Tech Sgt. Brandon Daniel, 362nd Training Squadron, organized the group with the intention of bolstering the bond between the base and its communities.