DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- Junior ROTC cadets from Ga. and the surrounding states participated in the Dobbins Annual JROTC Orientation Flights April 13-14. The event took over 1500 cadets, instructors, and chaperones from high schools on a ride aboard a C-130 Hercules aircraft, many for the very first time. The cadets represented four military branches; the United States Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps. Volunteers from the Air Force Civil Air Patrol and the Georgia Institute of Technology Flying Club escorted cadets to aircraft, made sure they were equipped with proper gear and insured safety was the number one priority during this endeavor.
"This experience gets better each year," said Tech. Sgt. James Branch, project coordinator of the event. "For many of the cadets and volunteers, it's a glimpse into their future. They get a day in the life of the defenders of our nation."
Each flight lasted approximately 25 minutes. The C-130 flew around the northeastern portion of metro Atlanta. The cadets were able to explore the cargo area and cockpit of the aircraft. Cadets were allowed to take pictures. There were a few nervous faces prior to leaving the ground, but there were many smiles once the C-130 landed. The cadets had many memories to share with their classmates once they returned to their high schools.
"I am a little nervous as this is my first time being in an airplane, but I am looking forward to it," said Cadet Jazmine Concepcion, Mundy's Mill High School, Jonesboro, Ga., as she awaited her school to be called to the waiting line.
Upon landing the cadets were able to explore a static display of a C-130 to take a closer look at what the aircraft has to offer. It housed a medivac display hosted by the 94th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron. The 94th Security Forces Squadron conducted entry scans into the hangar and instructed the cadets on how to conduct themselves on or near the flightline.
While awaiting their flights or upon their return, the cadets were able to visit demonstrations from the 94th SFS, 94th Emergency Management, 94th Aerial Delivery Flight and 94th Airlift Wing Honor Guard.
Members from the 94th Eastern Regional Recruiting Squadron were on hand to reach out to the cadets who may have an interest in becoming a part of the United States Air Force Reserves. Many of the junior cadets on site were preparing themselves to join the various branches of service upon their graduation. Senior Cadet Amirah-Iman Porte', Lovejoy High School, Ga., has already made plans to join the Air Force when she graduates this school year.
"I'm happy that my friends here who will join the military along with me," said Cadet Porte'.