University of Oklahoma AFROTC cadets visit Altus AFB

  • Published
  • By Airman Klynne Pearl Serrano
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Cadets from the University of Oklahoma Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 675 visited Altus AFB for a second, more in-depth look into their future careers in the Air Force April 16, 2012.

During their first visit in March, cadets participated in Air Force Specialty Code specific job shadowing, which gave them an idea of what their possible job assignments will be like when they commission.

During their second visit, the cadets had the opportunity to tour a C-17 Globemaster III, participated in a group discussion with Col. Ted Detwiler, 97th Operations Group commander, and were matched with shadow mentors from the 58th Airlift Squadron, the 97th Air Mobility Wing Safety office, and the 54th Air Refueling Squadron.

The cadets who shadowed the 54th Air Refueling Squadron had the opportunity to see a KC-135 Stratotanker and learn about what a boom operator does on a day-to-day basis.

"We got to sit in the boom area and look through a little window and see the refueling port," said Cadet Andrew Hechinger, OU AFROTC Det. 675. "I don't know how they do it, but I have a newfound respect for boom operators."

Cadets who shadowed the 58th Airlift Squadron had the opportunity to see C-17 simulators and also took part in a fini flight celebration on the flight line.

One of the cadets shadowed the Safety office and learned about the different inspections Safety has to do on the flight line every week.

"These visits are great learning experiences for the cadets," said Lt. Col. Randy Wardak, 97th Communications Squadron commander. "Col. Anthony Krawietz, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander, has helped the cadets make job decisions and his support is overwhelmingly awesome," said Wardak.

"These kinds of visits rely on partnership", said Wardak. Hopefully the success of these visits will inspire other bases to interact with their local AFROTC detachments.