Joint Base Lewis-McChord Airmen visit Tacoma elementary schools

Published Aug. 18, 2010
By Airman Leah Young
62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs

JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. - -- Ten active duty and two Air Force Reserve Airmen from the 62nd and 446th Airlift Wings here visited 12 Tacoma area elementary schools Aug. 18, 2010, to share their experience as C-17 Globemaster III pilots, discuss the principles of flight and possibly inspire the next generation of Air Force pilots.

"The children got very excited when they walked in this morning and saw Air Force pilots," said Mrs. Heidi Barabe, a fifth grade teacher at Skyline Elementary School. "Each one of them wanted to ask the pilots a question right away."

As part of the elementary school visits, the Airmen discussed the physics of an aircraft, principles of flight, training required to become a pilot, different types of aircraft and the history of the C-17 Globemaster III.

"The kids have been learning about the principles of flight," said Mrs. Barabe. "They have been making paper airplanes and testing them out in the wind tunnel we made out of cardboard boxes and a fan here at the school."

The students are currently involved in a summer science camp that helps them improve math and science skills before the start of the school year. The children have been learning about force and thrust in application to an aircraft, and different concepts of physics that help the plane take off.

"I enjoyed being able to incorporate what they've been learning and actually apply it to our job," said Capt. Emily Yturralde, 10th Airlift Squadron pilot.

In addition to discussing principles of flight and physics, some of the Airmen got a chance to educate the students on their duties as an Air Force pilot.

"My favorite part was learning what the pilots do," said Marc Luu, a fifth grade student at Skyline Elementary School. "They fly food and different things to people who need them, and I want to do that someday when I grow up."

Not only did these elementary school students learn about what the Airmen do, they also got a chance to try on some of the equipment the pilots use when operating the aircraft.
"I got to wear the helmet, and pretend that I was talking to other pilots in the headset," said Luu.

Much like Luu, most of the students were interested in becoming pilots and were very excited when they learned of the different missions the pilots complete.

Capt. John Miranda, 10th Airlift Squadron C-17 Globemaster III pilot, said having the opportunity to educate the students on their mission was a rewarding experience.

"I really enjoyed interacting with the kids," said Captain Miranda. "Hopefully they were able to understand how the things they're learning are used in everyday life."