JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. -- More than 100 students from 13 local schools attended the annual Tuskegee Airman Career Day, Feb. 27, 2018, hosted by the 315th Airlift Wing at Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina.
The event highlighted the opportunities earned by past heroes, while displaying the capabilities and functions of several military units.
To kick off the day, Maj. Gen. Leo Williams III (U.S.M.C. Retired) led five aspiring Airmen in the Oath of Enlistment, marking the start of their journey in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.
Williams then addressed the crowd with an inspirational and motivational message, charging the students with being intentional with their futures.
“It starts with a plan,” Williams said. “Give yourself an opportunity to be what you want to be.”
Col. Gregory Gilmour, 315th Airlift Wing commander, was also in attendance.
“Tuskegee Airman Day is great,” Gilmour said. “Maj. Gen. Williams is a fine example of what determination and planning will do for your future.”
After Williams finished his address, the students were lead to several areas around the base to learn about specific jobs and functions that were available.
The students saw members of the 315th Security Forces Squadron as well as the 628th SFS display their capabilities such as less-than-lethal procedures, defense weaponry, K9 operations and mission taskings.
Next, the miniature C-17 static display was available for exploration while members of the operational flying squadrons were on-hand to answer questions about their duties and experiences.
“It gives them perspective and they learn about how the Tuskegee Airmen were trailblazers in African American aviation,” said Master Sgt. Bobby Barrett, a loadmaster with the 300th Airlift Squadron. “They get to see the equipment and share the experiences that our Airmen get to have.”
The students also attended a career fair, where several local and national corporations were available to expand their knowledge of both the military and aviation.
For their final stop, the students were given a tour of the Field Training Detachment, led by the 373rd Training Squadron Detachment 5. There, they were able to view jet engines, cockpits, fuel systems and internal control systems that make up the C-17 Globemaster III.