Cobb Youth Leadership visits Dobbins Published Dec. 15, 2015 By Senior Airman Lauren Douglas 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- High school students from across Cobb County visited the base for Cobb Youth Leadership Military Night here Dec. 7.Students were given a first-hand look of Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia and the possibilities of a future with the Air Force.Cobb Youth Leadership is a program sponsored by the Leadership Cobb Alumni Association for rising high school juniors that focuses on developing leadership skills. CYL provides students a unique opportunity to learn about their community and interact with students from other high schools.The students arrived at the Dobbins Consolidated Club where Col. James DeVere, 94th Operations Group commander, welcomed the students and shared key information about the mission of the 94th Airlift Wing. The young leaders also enjoyed a “flight meal,” a typical meal enjoyed by Airmen on-the-go.Andrew Gasparini, North Cobb High School 11th grade magnet student, looked forward to learning about different branches of the military.“I know they do all different jobs, even things like graphic design and other specialties,” said Gasparini.The local high school students were also briefed on political careers by Georgia Rep. Bert Reeves, a North Cobb High School graduate and CYL alumni.From his college days at Georgia Tech, to backpacking through South Africa, to choosing a life in politics, Reeves described his unique path.Naadja Barnor, an 11th grade Lassiter High School student, didn’t know what to expect during her visit to Dobbins.“I thought we were coming here to make cards or care packages to send to troops, since it is Christmastime,” said Barnor.Capt. Meredith Kirchoff, 94th AW public affairs officer, explained options for becoming a commissioned officer in the Air Force, as well as a synopsis of her military experience as a PAO.Ava Weatherly, Lassiter High School junior, hoped to visit the firearm range during the visit. The students did not handle any weapons but they did get an up-close-and-personal glimpse of some artillery handled by the 94th Security Forces Squadron, which Weatherly described as her favorite part of the evening.CYL students visited the SFS where Staff Sgt. Marcus Walker and Senior Airman Gerald Jordan, 94th SFS members, shared some of their responsibilities. They enthusiastically described equipment, weapons and modes of transportation needed to carry out the SF mission.Ben Davis, a Harrison High School junior, enjoyed his time at Dobbins. He said his favorite part was hearing from enlisted members and officers about their stories and interests.Visits like these give students a chance to see many aspects of the Air Force and the vast opportunities available with the military. For more information about careers and leadership opportunities with the Air Force, visit http://www.airforce.com/careers/.
