Photo By Senior Airman Aidan Thompson | Students from Mount Olive High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps and...... read more read more
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JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. – The 2nd Aerial Refueling Squadron hosted Mount Olive High School Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps cadets during an orientation flight on a KC-46A Pegasus aircraft at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst, New Jersey, Jan. 14, 2025. U.S. Air Force Col. Kathleen M. Hasson, 305th Air Mobility Wing commander, gave the cadets a brief introduction to the ‘Can Do’ wing’s mission before they boarded the aircraft.
The cadets’ visit allowed them to see several Air Force Specialty Codes that contribute to the flying mission, as well as the latest innovations in military technology.
“Flying aboard the KC-46A Pegasus offers a unique perspective into the cutting-edge capabilities of Air Mobility Command and the critical role we play in global operations,” Hasson said. “This flight and introduction to some of our Airmen provided the cadets the opportunity to gain an understanding of the vast and diverse career fields that are available in the U.S. Air Force.”
The JROTC program motivates students through opportunities to gain experience and build skillsets. Maintaining their high enthusiasm is key to pursuing their studies and leading successful lifestyles.
“With JROTC, our whole purpose is to develop citizens of character, and we do that by giving them tangible leadership roles,” said retired Chief Master Sgt Robert Bedell, Senior Aerospace Science instructor for Mount Olive High School. “They are learning great skills in high school and building their resumes for the work force at the same time.”
One of these students is Cyara Ferreira, Mount Olive High School JROTC Bravo Flight Kitty Hawk Honor Society commander, shared some of her experiences with the JROTC program.
“I decided to stay in JROTC because I really like the program—they give us so many opportunities,” Ferreira said. “We do a lot of community service, its rewarding to help people and work in the leadership roles.”
Ferreira’s main leadership role is in the Kitty Hawk Honor Society, a national AFJROTC group that provides high academic achieving cadets with additional leadership and educational opportunities. Some of the volunteer events Ferreira has participated in include car wash fundraiser, blood drives and food donations.
"These engagements allow the cadets a chance to see firsthand the impact that our amazing Airmen have in the world while serving in the U.S. Air Force," Hasson said. "Our maintenance personnel, aerial port Airmen, professionals in the Operations Support Squadron, boom operators and pilots all showcase that when you set your mind to something and strive to achieve your goals, there is no limit to what you can accomplish.”
The 305th AMW creates opportunities for JROTC members to learn more about aviation and several other career fields through hands-on experience, thus impacting the Total Force by inspiring our future leaders.
| Date Taken: | 01.14.2025 |
| Date Posted: | 01.24.2025 14:55 |
| Story ID: | 489568 |
| Location: | NEW JERSEY, US |
| Web Views: | 40 |
| Downloads: | 1 |
This work, Empowering the next generation: JROTC cadets meet 305th AMW, by SrA Aidan Thompson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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