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JROTC students get close look at Hoosier Wing

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Andrew McLaughlin
  • 434th ARW Public Affairs
GRISSOM AIR RESERVE BASE, Ind. --  One of the purposes of junior ROTC is to introduce students to military service, but nothing compares to getting a first-hand look.

Navy Junior ROTC students from Anderson High School, Anderson, Ind., visited the base recently to learn more about the military and the mission of the 434th Air Refueling Wing.

The Anderson Navy Junior ROTC has visited the base before, and retired Lt. Cmdr. Albert Outcalt, the Junior ROTC commander, said he thinks the tours are beneficial because the students have an opportunity to interact with people currently serving in the military.

"They get to look at different careers and experience the military way of life," said Outcalt.

Outcalt said this is important because over half of Junior ROTC graduates from Anderson go into the military after high school.

The students visited 434th Operations Support Squadron where airmen there showed them some of the survival gear and flight equipment they maintain. The students got to climb inside an emergency survival raft and also see how aircrew helmets are maintained and tested for operational safety.

Later, the group got a close look at a KC-135R Stratotanker as crewmembers and maintainers gave the students a tour of the aircraft and answered their questions.

Grissom holds base tours for groups of 15 or more. More information about tours can be found on the questions link on the website.

The 434th ARW is the largest KC-135R Stratotanker unit in the Air Force Reserve Command.

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Public Affairs Staff

Material contained on the Official Grissom Air Reserve Base Internet Web Site is written and produced by members of the 434th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs Office. The award-winning staff includes:

Ben Mota
Chief, public affairs

Maj. Elias Zani
Public affairs officer

Master Sgt. Wendy Day
Staff writer

Tech. Sgt. Alexa Culbert
Staff writer

Senior Airman Elise Faurote
Staff writer

Senior Airman Benjamin Cowles
Staff writer