Cadets experience Air Force life through Moody, local community

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Frances Locquiao
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  U.S. Air Force Academy cadets recently visited Moody as part of a program that gives them an opportunity to step into the shoes of an Airman.

The Operation Air Force program, which lasts approximately three weeks, allows cadets to visit Air Force bases around the world, experience the operational Air Force firsthand and shadow Airmen in different career fields.

"The program shows cadets what the Air Force has to offer," said Captain Adam Harris, 71st Rescue Squadron and Moody's coordinator for the program. "It also gives them the most realistic and practical interface with both enlisted members and company grade officers.

"Most of the cadets do not have service commitments so the program allows them to get a good grasp of what it's like to be in the Air Force," he added. "My goal is to make sure they have a good time and show them everything possible so they are excited to join."

The cadets toured many facilities around base including the 23rd Medical Group clinic and the 820th Security Forces Group's military operations in urban terrain training village and firearm training simulator. They also toured the Air Traffic Control tower and Radar Approach Control facilities.

Cadets experienced low-level flying and maneuvers inside the 71st Rescue Squadron's HC-130P Combat King and the 41st Rescue Squadron's HH-60G Pave Hawk.

"I really enjoyed spending a day with Airmen from the different career fields," said Cadet Sean Purio, an English major at the Academy. "It was amazing to learn and experience the role each career field plays in the overall mission of the Air Force."

In addition, they visited places around the Valdosta community such as Smith Northview Hospital, the Tilapia Fish Factory and Valdosta State University. The Mayor of Valdosta, John Fretti, also took time to speak with the cadets.

"It was a unique experience to see how a community relates to a base," said Cadet Christina Canales, a behavioral science major at the Academy. "The Valdosta community seems to be very supportive of Moody and the Airmen."

Cadets also met with various commanders, including the "wing king". During a private lunch, Col. Gary Henderson, 23rd Wing commander, gave them an inside perspective on what a leadership position may be like one day.

"The lunch was great because it gave us a chance to ask Colonel Henderson about his Air Force experience as well as his family life," said Cadet Purio. "He encouraged us to stay focused and continue to work hard. He also gave us a few words of advice regarding our career paths."

For the duration of the cadets' visit, they will be career field shadowing and a career shadowing day.

By spending time in a career field of their choice, the cadets receive invaluable insight and mentoring opportunities into life as an officer in the Air Force, said 1st Lt. Vincent Adamo, 23rd Logistics Readiness Squadron.

Throughout the time the cadets spent at Moody, they all echoed the same sentiment about their coordinators.

"This whole experience has been great because of Captain Harris and Lieutenant Adamo," said Cadet Canales. "We want to thank them for their hard work at making our time at Moody memorable. I'm truly estatic to become part of the Air Force family after I graduate the Academy."