Local school boys attend Tuskegee Airman Career Day

  • Published
  • By Michael Dukes
  • 315th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
More than 120 middle and high school boys from 17 Lowcountry schools visited Joint Base Charleston’s 315th Airlift Wing to learn about jobs in aviation as part of the wing’s fourth annual Tuskegee Airmen Career Day here, Feb. 21.

This year’s guest speaker was Chief Master Sgt. (ret.) Dorn Slaughter who served as 437th Maintenance Squadron superintendent in charge of about 400 enlisted maintainers. He told the boys about his journey and choices throughout his career path.

After the initial welcome and hearing the guest speaker in the base theater, the boys toured a C-17 Globemaster III where they spoke with aircrew members who described their typical responsibilities on the aircraft, including flying the jet, managing and loading the cargo, caring for wounded warriors in flight, and more. During the career fair portion of the day, the boys learned of various jobs in the aviation career field. A popular attraction at the career fair was a Security Forces K-9 demonstration by the 628th Security Forces Squadron. As is usually the case at K-9 demonstrations, all in attendance were captivated as one of the Security Forces officers demonstrated how officers control an uncooperative suspect.

Other popular attractions at the career fair included the 628th Explosive Ordnance Disposal Team with their simulated bombs, remote-controlled robot, and 80-pound “Hurt Locker” bomb protective suit.

Attendees also had the opportunity to beat on a 315th Security Forces Airman wearing a “red man” sparing protective suite. At first they were hesitant to swing the foam covered baton at the Airman, who somewhat resembled a red Michelin Man. But another Security Forces Airman demonstrated to them how it was done, they quickly got into the spirit and began to whale on the Airman in the red man suit.

There were also tables where the boys learned about other jobs in aviation, including engineering, aerospace medicine, aerial port cargo handling, aircraft maintenance and more. Representatives from local colleges and other career opportunities were also present. The Hiram Mann Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen in Walterboro also had a table where several of the chapter’s members talked to the boys about their history and about the opportunities now available.

Attendees visited the 373rd Training Squadron, Det. 5, where they saw sections of a C-17 Globemaster III, including the entire inside of the flight deck, a complete tail section of the jet and an engine.

Tuskegee Airmen were instrumental to victory over Germany during World War II, they also represent other victories as well. The 996 African American pilots and more than 15,000 ground personnel who served with these units flew more than 15,500 combat sorties and earned more than 150 Distinguished Flying Crosses.

The career day was created by the 315th Airlift Wing to encourage young men to explore opportunities in aviation and to commemorate African American history month.

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