ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Leaders from the 97th Air Mobility Wing hosted 14 local teachers during a tour of Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, Aug. 2, 2022.
The tour included a briefing by the 97th AMW command team, demonstrations by Airmen from the 97th Security Forces Squadron’s military working dogs unit, 97th Maintenance Group Precision Management Equipment Laboratory, and the 97th MXG Nondestructive Testing Lab.
“The intent of this tour was to deliver an immersive experience into 97th AMW missions,” said Sydney Doorn, 97th AMW community engagement chief. “This provides more insight and understanding when working with military children. This opportunity also doubled as a way for AAFB to extend our appreciation to teachers from our surrounding communities as they prepare to start the next school year.”
The teachers learned about the base’s mission along with the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics side of operations.
“Our base STEM council has many ongoing initiatives and partnerships with our local schools,” said Doorn. “Demonstrating the capabilities of these units could not only help teachers further those partnerships, but also enable them to better communicate with their students about the importance of STEM and the variety of Air Force career opportunities.”
The “Mighty 97th” is home to more than 800 military children and Rivers Elementary has more than 50 teachers and staff.
Chief Master Sgt. Caesar Flores, 97th AMW command chief, said local teachers are critical to the quality of life of military families stationed in Altus.
“(Teachers) are a force multiplier,” said Flores. “A lot of folks come to AAFB because of the quality of education they get here. Their first questions are always about their family and the life we provide here.”