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Air Force Academy Cadets learn about the service at Scott AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jake Eckhardt
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  Sixteen cadets from the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo., visited Scott Air Force Base April 19-22 to tour the base's organizations and see how it contributes to the Air Force.

Each cadet squadron has a wing to sponsor a base visit. Scott was the sponsor for Cadet Squadron 24.

"This tour gives the cadets a perspective on what the wing provides and allows them to get mentorship from some enlisted members, the vice commander and commander," said Maj. Alex Ackerman, 375th Communication Support Squadron commander.

The cadets started their Friday off at 7 a.m. with breakfast with the chiefs followed by tours and briefings at the 375th Air Mobility Wing, U.S. Transportation Command and the 618th Air and Space Operations Center. They then had lunch with the 375th AMW vice commander, Col. Kevin Webb, and the group commanders.

From there they visited the 375th Security Forces Squadron for a weapons demonstration and 375th Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department for a vehicle demonstration. The day ended with dinner with the wing commander at 8 p.m.

Saturday the future leaders were taken on an incentive flight in a C-21. Then they were released for personal time until they flew home on Sunday.

Cadet Daniel Boerckel, a sophomore at the Air Force Academy, said, "This tour opens up your eyes to how much responsibility the Air Force really has. It shows you how much support is needed by the other commands."

After being in training for two years, seeing the operational Air Force has helped Boerckel in realizing his dream of becoming a pilot at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Fla.

"This is the first time I've seen the Air Force function," he said. "It encourages me to give back to the same organization that has given me the opportunity to serve."