Cadet visits hometown Air Force Base with new perspective

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Levin Boland
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Cadet 2nd Class Jeremy Delzer spent the first 18 years of his life in Altus and now he is back as an officer-candidate to learn more about Altus AFB's mission.

Delzer and nine other cadets are spending three weeks at Altus AFB as part of the Air Force Academy's Operation Air Force Program, which allows cadets to obtain first-hand experience about the world they will soon enter.

Delzer grew up in Jackson County and graduated from Altus High School in 2011. He was involved in the community and many extracurricular activities - his favorite being sports.

"I have a lot of memories here in Altus," Delzer said. "I did everything with my family, played football and wrestled. My most fond memories were all the state tournaments I went to with wrestling."

After spending two years at the Academy and preparing to become an officer in the Air Force, Delzer has returned to his hometown of Altus to gain hands-on experience of Altus AFB's mission.

"I have been here a couple of times to come on base and see a few things with my grandparents; but, this is my first time to come with the other cadets from the Academy to see the operational side of things and learn about the different squadrons," Delzer said.

Since early in high school, Delzer had high hopes for his future career in the Air Force. When asked what he wants to commission into, he was quick to respond.

"My first choice will definitely be a pilot and my second choice is going to be an Intelligence officer," he said.

Delzer and the other cadets had the opportunity to tour several squadrons, have lunch with commanders, shadow multiple careers and experience C-17 Globemaster III and KC-135 Stratotanker simulators.

"Touring the entire base to see the squadrons and seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes has opened my eyes a little bit," Delzer said.

Delzer is grateful for the members of Altus AFB who gave him the opportunity to visit and experience the operations side of Altus AFB.

"I'd like to thank them for supporting us all coming down, giving us a tour and showing us the life outside of the Academy," Delzer said. "They took us under their wing and showed us around because they want to help us progress."