BEEliners mentor cadet candidates

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Geneva Croxton
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — A C-17 Globemaster III crew departed Nov. 2 from Travis Air Force Base, California, and headed to Colorado Springs, Colorado, to pick up cadet candidates from the Air Force Academy Preparatory School.

The crew and cadets departed for Stewart International Airport, New York, to attend the Army West Point vs. Air Force football game Nov. 5. While the trip allowed the cadet candidates on the Air Force Academy Preparatory School athletes to hone their skills, winning on the field and the court, it also did something much more special.

Flying the cadet candidates were the BEEliners from the 21st Airlift Squadron, who put together a crew comprised of Air Force Academy graduate pilots specifically for the mission. In doing this, the crew hoped to provide mentorship to the cadet candidates whose shoes they were in less than a decade ago. For many of the cadet candidates, it was their first C-17 flight.

During the flight, the cadet candidates were given the opportunity to see aerial refueling from a KC-10 Extender flown by Airmen from the 70th Air Refueling Squadron, Travis’ reserve companion the 349th Air Mobility Wing, also carrying a contingent of cadets.

Whether it was in the flight deck of the C-17 or the boom window of the KC-10, the rapid global mobility capabilities of Air Mobility Command were on display for hundreds of the future decision makers for the Air Force. 

“Flying in the C-17 and watching aerial refueling from the flight deck on the way to West Point definitely opened my eyes” said cadet candidate Dalton Lawrence. “I have been around various aircraft my whole life, but I never had an interest in flying heavies until I saw their operations live in person.”

Capt. Tyler Melzer said the experience was surreal.

“It was a good chance to talk to them and let them know what the future holds, as well as what they have to look forward to and our challenges,” said Melzer.

Melzer’s advice for the cadet candidates was simple.

“Hard work does pay off in the end,” he said. “You don’t always get to realize this right away when you are at the Academy, but stick with it.” 

This advice stuck with the cadet candidates.

“Knowing that the pilots who were flying were in the same situation that I am currently going through makes me think about the future and what my goals are.,” said cadet candidate Conner Kirkegaard. “It helps me get through the days and reminds me anything is possible.”

A weekend that resulted in many victories for the Air Force Academy athletic teams also resulted in something much more: A chance for graduates, former athletes and Airmen to serve as mentors for our next generation of leaders.