Local schools host Atlanta Air Force Week Published Oct. 12, 2007 By Master Sgt. Stan Coleman Public Affairs ATLANTA -- Cheers, smiles and amazement--the reactions of youth during the Atlanta Air Force Week "High School Drop-in" events, Oct. 9-11. Three high schools, Marietta High School, Etowah High School and Lovejoy High School, hosted a show of Air Force equipment, demonstration teams, career displays, and a chance to talk to men and women, active-duty, Guard and Reserve who are committed to the defense of the United States. "The High School Drop-in is a great opportunity to tell the Air Force story and let our youth see a sample of the Air Force in action," said Col. Heath Nuckolls, 94th Airlift Wing Commander at Dobbins Air Reserve Base. "This is a once in a lifetime opportunity," said Chief Master Sgt. William Evons, Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps aerospace instructor at Lovejoy High School. "It's an inspiration for our youth to see demonstration teams like the Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team." "The Air Force drill team was very impressive," said Air Force JROTC Cadet 2nd Lt. Ashleigh Maddox, Lovejoy High School drill team member. "Their routines were very creative and demonstrate that you don't have to do routines at a fast pace. We got ideas for our drill team from the performance." The highlight of the events was a 301st Rescue Squadron pararescue demonstration with a HH-60G Pavehawk helicopter. The 301st is a Reserve unit at Patrick AFB, Fla. "With me being a prodigy of the JROTC and ROTC programs, it's a great opportunity for all of the Air Force components to come out and have one-on-one interactions with our young--especially at their school," said Maj. Mike Brasher, Pavehawk helicopter pilot. "Events like our rescue demonstration are one of many exhibits that provide an up-close and personal experience for youth to see how neat military service is." During the event, the Pavehawk would fly over the high school, simulating a rescue operation. "We fly over and identify the location of the survivor," said Master Sgt. Steve Johnson, 301st Rescue Squadron helicopter flight engineer. "Then we determine the wind calculation to determine the best path in." During this step the crew looks for obstacles or threats that could hinder the rescue mission. "If there are no threats, we come back to the survivor and lower a pararescueman via fast rope," he said. "That's the fastest way of getting the pararescueman to the survivor other than landing the aircraft." The rope is released from the aircraft and the pararescueman preps the survivor for extraction. The aircraft exits the area and aircrew is prepared to suppress any threats, should they pop up. The aircraft returns to extract the PJ. (PJ is an old acronym for parajumper.) The Pavehawk aircrew consists of two pilots, one flight engineer, and two pararescuemen. "In this demonstration we used a hoist," said Sergeant Johnson. "That's they only way we can complete the rescue mission if we can't land." The rescue demonstration was well-received with applause, cheers and a bombardment of youth with questions after the helicopter landed. "I'm enjoying this because I was already inspired to join the Air Force," said Diamond Cattrell, a student attending the drop-in event at Marietta High School. "Now after looking at all of the benefits that the Air Force has to offer, I really want to join." "The High School Drop-in is not a recruiting effort, it is more of an educational event to let our high school youth see what the Air Force has to offer," said Lt. Col. James T. Wilson, senior aerospace instructor at Marietta High School. "Plus, the JROTC experience emphasizes and works hard to develop leadership and discipline. JROTC provides a true vision on what citizenship is all about." Other exhibits and static displays include a team from 94th Aeromedical Staging Squadron, the Air Force Race Car, a miniature C-130 called Lil Bill, the 94th Civil Engineering Explosive Ordnance Disposal team, and a self-defense demonstration by the 94th Security Forces Squadron. "I would like to commend everyone who contributed to the organization and planning of this event," said Chief Master Sgt. Of the Air Force Rodney J. McKinley. "They deserve a big hand for the wonderful job of preparing for Air Force Week here. Also, I really enjoy the opportunity to talk to our JROTC cadets." CMSAF McKinley attended the first High School Drop-in at Marietta High School.
