Program gives trainees glimpse at AF

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Madelyn Brown
  • 60th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  Travis Air Force Base hosted approximately 40 individuals from the delayed entry program, junior reserve officer training corps and Civil Air Patrol Oct. 10 for the Golden Bear Outreach Program.

"The purpose of the program is to inspire, educate and motivate JROTC, Civil Air Patrol and high school students on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) and how it applies in the Air Force while showcasing the Air Force capabilities and dynamics of various career fields," said Staff Sgt. Matthew Amerson, 60th Logistics Readiness Squadron NCO in charge knowledge operations.

Individuals participating began the day speaking with panels of former military training instructors, military training leaders and Airmen to receive guidance as well perspective about basic military training, technical school and being a new Airman.

"The beginning of the program gives students the opportunity to get a glimpse into what BMT is all about," Amerson said. "This is a way to mold young individuals and prepare them well before they decide to enter the Air Force and leave for BMT."

DEP recruit Miguel Guzman was singled out during the MTI panel when Senior Master Sgt. Hope Skibitsky, 60th Force Support Squadron career assistance advisor and former MTI, instructed him to stand at attention and give his reporting statement.

"I was nervous, because I didn't know what my reporting statement was," Guzman said.

After being taught the procedure, he was able to recite his reporting statement, "Ma'am, trainee Guzman reports as ordered," to Skibitsky.

"After this experience, I won't forget (my reporting statement) when I go to basic training," said the 18-year-old. "It's good to be put on the spot here before you're stressed out in BMT."

Guzman is awaiting a date to leave for BMT, and hopes to get a job in maintenance.

In addition to gleaning information from the panels, the recruits watched a Military Working Dog demonstration, weapons demonstration and toured a C-5 Galaxy static, the radar approach and control facility and the air traffic control tower.

"The program helps ease the stress and tension of joining the Air Force and going to BMT knowing what they're in for," said Amerson, who serves as the Golden Bear Outreach Program coordinator. "It allows them to see all of the great things the Air Force has to offer and know that once you join the Air Force, you are part of something bigger and part of a huge family."

The Golden Bear Outreach Program is being developed as a quarterly event, with the next event scheduled for the February/March time frame.

For more information, contact Amerson at 424-1217.