LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Airmen from Laughlin Air Force Base and students from Lamar Elementary School spent time experimenting with flight science during a Laughlin STEM Buddies event at Lamar Elementary School, Feb. 19, 2026.
Laughlin STEM Buddies is a monthly outreach initiative designed to inspire local elementary school students to pursue studies in science, technology, engineering and math.
“The purpose of the program is to expand students’ horizons early,” said 2nd Lt. Caroline Hensley, Laughlin Medical Group medical readiness flight commander. “Many of these students face educational barriers. The goal is to show them that there are opportunities beyond what they see every day.”
The program was founded to give students earlier exposure to future developmental opportunities. With the help of Lamar Elementary teachers and Laughlin leaders, the program connects students with STEM careers while providing strong, positive role models.
Base personnel visit classrooms every fourth Thursday of the month to deliver interactive STEM activities that connect academic concepts to real-world careers.
“The visits are important because they create meaningful connections between our students and the service members at Laughlin,” said Laura Martinez, Lamar Elementary School third grade teacher, STEM Buddies program founder. “Many of our students may not fully understand the role the Air Force plays in our community, and these visits help bridge that gap in a personal and positive way.”
For Airmen, the program provides an opportunity to serve the Del Rio community through mentorship and community engagement while contributing to educational development and representing Laughlin’s commitment to community partnership and service.
This month, the program focused on Laughlin’s pilot training mission where instructor pilots used paper airplanes to expose students to the science of flight.
“The most rewarding part has been being able to see the kids really engage in the program, ask questions and be inspired to do something like this when they are older.” said 1st Lt. Alex Osborn, 87th Flying Training Squadron T-38 instructor pilot.
As the program continues through the school year, Laughlin STEM Buddies remains focused on empowering young learners to explore.
“When students can see people in uniform, scientists, pilots, air traffic controllers, and medical professionals explaining what they do and why it matters, it helps them imagine themselves in those roles,” said Hensley. “That kind of vision can be life changing.”