JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. –
U.S. Air Force Airmen
from Joint Base Langley-Eustis joined members from the U.S. Air Force Air
Demonstration Squadron “Thunderbirds” to support the Denbigh High School
Aviation Academy Career Day, May 18.
The event featured more
than 30 representatives from the aviation industry, local military community and
prospective universities.
The curriculum at the school
is tailored to students who show an aptitude for aviation-related skill sets in
four main tracks: aerospace engineering, flight operations, maintenance and
security, safety and aviation.
“Careers in aviation and
manufacturing are more than building or flying a plane,” said Dr. Aaron Smith, the academy program
administrator. “There are so many jobs that are needed from the military to the
commercial side of it. The purpose of this event was to help the students see
how they could fit into this industry.”
Smith said he was elated
by the turnout and the benefit to his students of informal networking and
face-to-face career mentorship. He was particularly impressed by the service
members in attendance, and their effect on his students.
“When the military comes
in, it brings another element that is unlike any other. You guys are always
professionals because you have to be battle ready in a heartbeat’s notice,”
said Smith. “I tell my students ‘When it comes to your career, you have to be
battle ready from day one.’”
U.S. Air Force Capt. Will
Graeff, Thunderbirds Team Number 2 jet pilot, and three members from his crew
spoke to more than 320 students about their experience in the Air Force and
opportunities in the service for on-the-job technical training and higher
education.
“I’m happy to see you
here and happy to see you’re pursuing your passion in aviation,” said Graeff. “If
you stick with and have that drive, then you’re going to succeed in life.”
The pilot shared his
personal journey from initially studying medicine in college to joining the Air
Force Reserve Officer Training Corps to gain experience for a career with the Central
Intelligence Agency and ultimately finding his calling as a pilot. The main
takeaway for the students was that there are multiple pathways to success and
that sometimes a career journey is not a straight line.
“We need good people in
all types of jobs, whether it’s in the Air Force or [other opportunities],”
said Graeff. “It’s that passion that will make you do well
in whatever you decide to do in life and to enjoy it.”
Smith said he hoped to continue multi-agency outreach opportunities as
the school works to create a better Commonwealth with “college, career, and
citizen ready” students.