Photo By Master Sgt. Amy Lovgren | An F-16 Fighter Falcon from the 148th Fighter Wing takes off at the Minneapolis-St....... read more read more
ST. PAUL, Minn. – On June 20, 2023, the 133rd Airlift Wing will host a tour of a C-130 Hercules and an F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft to expose middle and high students to aviation career opportunities in the military.
“Throughout my career, I have been inspired by other pilots, such as my World War II veteran grandfather who flew for the 133rd,” said Air Force Maj. John Sjoblom, a C-130 pilot at the 133rd Airlift Wing. “I have worked this event for many years, and it’s exciting to see the returning campers and see how their interest in aviation has grown.”
Approximately 25 students will participate in the Organization of Black Aerospace Professional’s (OBAP) Aviation Career Education (ACE) five-day academy, with one of the afternoons spent at the 133rd. The academy visit has occurred more than ten times at the 133rd and has grown over the years. This will be the first time the Duluth-based 148th Fighter Wing has provided a fighter jet for the event. The participants will have lunch at the base and hear about various careers in aviation before touring the aircraft.
"I believe our younger generation become what they see,” said Floyd Balentine, director of OPAC’s Twin Cities Ace Academy. “This is why the Twin Cities ACE Academy volunteers its time in motivating, cultivating, and inspiring the next generation.
In 2014, Floyd along with Capt. Victor Smith and First Officer Donald Gardner founded and launched the OBAP Twin Cities ACE Academy.
“I hope that the youth here today will be inspired to pursue careers in aviation and know that military service can support those aspirations,” said Sjoblom.
- About the OBAP Twin Cities ACE Academy
The Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals ACE Academy is a nationally recognized program co-sponsored by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees. The purpose of Aviation Career Education (ACE) is to offer first-level exposure to the aviation industry by providing aviation career exploration for middle and high school students. Academy participants learn about aviation history, theory of flight, and other aviation-related subjects. Students will have the opportunity to go on field trips to aviation facilities, museums and participate in other hands-on activities designed to give students a total aviation experience.
- About the Minnesota National Guard -
Established in 1856 and headquartered in St. Paul, the Minnesota National Guard has more than 13,000 Soldiers and Airmen who serve in 58 communities across the state. The Citizen-Soldiers and Airmen of the Minnesota National Guard are 'Always Ready' to fight the nation's wars, protect the country, respond to state emergencies, and contribute to local communities. For more information about the Minnesota National Guard, visit https://MinnesotaNationalGuard.ng.mil.
| Date Taken: | 06.21.2023 |
| Date Posted: | 06.21.2023 15:04 |
| Story ID: | 447607 |
| Location: | ST. PAUL, MINNESOTA, US |
| Web Views: | 109 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
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