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Opportunities abound: Sooner Flight Academy tours Tinker July 19

  • Published
  • By Brandice J. Armstrong
  • Tinker Air Force Base Public Affairs
TINKER AIR FORCE BASE --  Nearly 25 students and teachers from the University of Oklahoma's Sooner Flight Academy toured Tinker Air Force Base to gain a behind-the-scenes perspective of the aviation field Jul 19.
   Better known as Aerospace Day, the adolescents ranged in age from 14 to 18 years old and were part of the academy's Flight Zone camp, a college prep class.
   "I challenge you to think about the bigger things, think about what you want to do with your life," said Maj. Gen. Loren Reno, Oklahoma City Air Logistics commander, when he welcomed the students to Bldg. 3001. "There are great opportunities at the center and on this base.
   "Some of you may choose to wear a uniform like I have, enlist in the Air Force or go to college and become an officer," the general said. "Some of you may choose to do it as a civilian and work here as an engineer or a logistician. We have a lot of career-field opportunities here."
   The students toured the 76th Maintenance Support Squadron's Physical Sciences Flight. Within the flight, they saw two chemistry laboratories, a metallurgical analysis lab and a quality verification section. They were also introduced to scientists and engineers during their hands-on experience.
   "They can learn so much," said Kaisha Mathis, a teacher with the Sooner Flight Academy. "Tinker has opportunities that aren't offered elsewhere. I want the students to see the careers that are available here."
   Matthew Hill, 14, of the Community Christian School in Norman, said he wanted to learn about aeronautics and planes. He said he is interested in becoming a pilot.
   Grady Heller, 16, who said he wants to become an aerospace engineer for the Air Force, also said he was excited to "see whatever they would let me."
   Grady attends the Oklahoma School of Science and Mathematics in Oklahoma City and later said he hoped to see planes and hangars.
   Following the lab tour, the teens ate sack lunches at pavilion six, just east of Bldg. 3001. They also met and mingled with Tinker pilots. After lunch, the students toured Bldgs. 2121 and 2122 and saw B-52 and B-1 hangars, respectively.
   The academy, which offers year-round adult and youth programs, as well as summer camps, encourages the development of aviation and technology through practical education in science and math, according to the program's Web site.