McChord Airmen participate in pilot panel at local middle school

Published Jan. 26, 2011
By Airman Leah Young
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- Three pilots assigned to McChord Field's 10th Airlift Squadron participated in Key Peninsula Middle School's annual pilot panel Jan. 24 in Lakebay, Wash.

"Every year, we invite both civilian and military pilots to speak to the kids about their careers," said Kareen Borders, KPMS NASA Explorer School team lead. "The students get a chance to ask questions, receive advice and learn about life as a pilot. Often times, we have to cut their questions short because they're so excited to speak with the pilots."

McChord Field's airlift squadrons annually send pilots to speak on the panel, giving seventh and eighth grade students a chance to ask questions and learn about the career field.

This year's representatives on the panel were C-17 Globemaster III pilots Capt. Emily Yturralde, Capt. Patrick Ris and Capt. Dustin Dere, all assigned to the 10th AS.

"Giving these kids some insight into our career was a very good opportunity," said Captain Dere. "It's really awesome to talk to them, because they're so interested. They want to learn about what I do and possibly do it someday."

The pilot panel is part of the Astronomy and Aerospace course, which is an elective offered by KPMS.

"This course teaches students all about motion, forces, physics of flight and basically how an airplane is able to fly," said Mrs. Borders. "The students have made flight plans, created model airplanes and have been able to fly them in a simulator. We even took a field trip to the Museum of Flight a few weeks ago."

According to Mrs. Borders, the elective course is in line with state science standards.

"This is an elective, so the students are taking it in addition to a math and science class," said Mrs. Borders. "It provides career awareness and leadership, while at the same time, tons of math and science skills that the students will be able to apply. Some of the kids are very interested in careers as pilots, doctors and astronauts."

Blake Cohoe, 12, a seventh-grade student enrolled in the Astronomy and Aerospace course, spoke to the pilots with high hopes of joining the Air Force and then obtaining a medical degree.

"I'm enrolling in the ROTC program and then joining the Air Force," said Cohoe. "I want to serve my country and then get my degree. Hopefully I will work for a military hospital or become a flight doctor."

This year's pilot panel not only made a positive impact on the eager middle school students, but the pilots as well.

"They are so enthusiastic about everything," said Captain Yturralde. "It was really rewarding to speak with them. I wish I had these types of opportunities when I was in school. Hopefully, their dreams will come true."