News>Boy Scouts learn valuable lesson from Grissom ARB
Photos
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Senior Airman Matthew Devers, 434th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment apprentice, shows Boy Scouts from Troop 229 how to test an oxygen mask worn by aircrew prior to flight during a base tour July 25. The Boy Scouts visited Grissom to learn about the diverse jobs performed on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin)
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Staff Sgt. Brandon Bass, 434th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment apprentice, shows Boy Scouts from Troop 229 what is packed in a survival vest worn by Grissom KC-135 aircrew during a base tour July 25. The Boy Scouts visited Grissom to learn about the diverse jobs performed on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin)
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Boy Scouts from Troop 229 take a look at an emergency floatation vest at the 434th aircrew flight equipment section during a base tour July 25. The Boy Scouts also saw a KC-135R Stratotanker on display and visited the Grissom Fire Department to learn about the diverse jobs performed on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin)
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- A Boy Scout from Troop 229 looks at the controls in the cockpit of a KC-135R Stratotanker during a base tour July 25. The Boy Scouts also visited the 434th Operations Support Squadron and the Grissom Fire Department to learn about the diverse jobs performed on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin)
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- Christopher Pribbernow, Grissom Fire Department firefighter, shows Boy Scouts from Troop 229 how a water cannon on top of a Striker 1500 airport firefighting truck works during a base tour July 25. The Boy Scouts also saw a KC-135R Stratotanker on display and visited the 434th Operations Support Squadron to learn about the diverse jobs performed on base. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin)
by Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin
434th ARW Public Affairs
8/29/2012 - GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. -- "Be prepared" is the Boy Scout motto, and as one troop found out Grissom's Airmen are always prepared as well.
Boy Scout Troop 229 got a firsthand look at some of the diverse jobs performed at Grissom during a base tour July 25.
The first stop on the tour for the scouts was the 434th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment section. There, they learned about the use of aircrew survival gear and the importance of being prepared for any situation.
While touring AFE, the scouts saw an emergency life raft along with other survival equipment including tools, food rations and body armor. AFE members also demonstrated how crewmember helmets and oxygen masks are tested before flights and let some of the scouts try them out.
Steve McKinney, a scoutmaster for troop 229, said he thought the experience was much more than just a tour because it showed purpose.
"It's very beneficial," said McKinney. "It reinforces what we try to teach them."
Later in the tour, the troop headed out to the flight line to tour one of the 434th Air Refueling Wing's KC-135R Stratotankers, where pilots and crewmembers showed them around the aircraft and answered their questions. The scouts also got their chance to sit in the pilot's seat and lay in the boom pod where the boom operator conducts aerial refuelings.
Ruth Dilts, an assistant scoutmaster, said it's good for the scouts to get hands-on experience because it has more of an impact.
"It's really exciting for them," Dilts added. "I've seen a lot of smiles today."
The last stop for the Boy Scouts was at the Grissom Fire Department, where two firefighters talked with the scouts about their jobs, gave a tour of the fire station and showed them the fire trucks and equipment they use. The firefighters also gave them a demonstration of a water cannon on a Striker 1500 airport firefighting truck.
At the end, Mckinney said he thought the experience was very enjoyable and well worth it.
"It was truly a quality educational program for our youth," said McKinney. "There were a lot of benefits to it, and these boys will remember this day for the rest of their lives."
Grissom holds tours for groups of 15 or more people. Tour info and request forms can be found on the questions page.
