Exploring possibilities Published July 15, 2014 By Stan Coleman Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Public Relations MARIETTA, Ga. -- Thirty cadets of the Tuskegee Airmen Aviation Career Training program toured Dobbins Air Reserve Base and the Lockheed Martin-Marietta facility last month. The tours are part of a career training program designed to give youth an opportunity to explore career fields in aviation. "Our visit to Dobbins was a vital part of our cadets' aviation orientation," said Drew Fellers, president of the Atlanta Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. "Being that the Tuskegee Airmen experience is an important part of America's military aviation history, we wanted to make sure our cadets had the chance to see the opportunities the U.S. Armed Forces has to offer." Cadets boarded a C-130H Hercules static display and saw firsthand, the aircraft flown by Citizen Airmen of Dobbins and built by Lockheed Martin. "Having the opportunity to get inside a C-130 cockpit is very exciting for me," said Kevin Warring, a second-year TAACT cadet. "There is quite a bit of difference between the controls of a C-130 aircraft and a single engine propeller airplane." The tour continued at the U.S. Army Reserve's Aviation Regiment aircraft hangar and aircrew flight equipment section. "When it comes to our youth, I enjoy communicating the importance of planning and preparing for their future with them," said CW4 Marshall Hobel, Aviation Regiment operations officer. "I hope their experience here inspires them to do the right things." One of the highlights of the tour was a fire hose relay competition between the cadets at the Dobbins fire station. The cadets were challenged to compete in a bunker drill which includes putting on a firemen's protective suit consisting of a helmet, boots, overcoat and trousers. "Our bunker drill competition is a good team building tool and provides an opportunity for our youth to work together as well as getting a feel for the stamina it takes to wear a fireman's gear," said Michael Hodgson, Dobbins fire emergency chief. Cadets saw a glimpse of the future and gained more knowledge about navigating the path to making their dreams possible. "I was very excited when I heard that we would get the chance to visit Dobbins," said Warring. "I am working to achieve my goal of becoming a military pilot." The event further cemented Team Dobbins' commitment to the future through its storied past. Master Sgt. Stan Coleman (Ret.) is a former member of the 94th Airlift Wing, Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Ga.
