Air National Guard paves path for profession

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Regina Young
  • 116 Air Control Wing, public affairs
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  Aircrew members from the 116th Air Control Wing visited students at Middle Georgia College Aviation Campus in Eastman, Ga., Jan. 25, as part of a community outreach effort.

While sharing the mission of the Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System and telling personal stories of why they joined the Air National Guard, 116th Operations Group members touted Guard educational and career opportunities.

"Before I joined the Guard, I was pursuing a career as a commercial lender but I wanted to fly airplanes," said Lt. Col. Mark Weber, 116th OG commander. "The Air National Guard gave me that opportunity."

A common thread shared by all the Guardsmen, was the family atmosphere and support system they each experienced during their careers with the Air National Guard.

"When you decide to join us you become a part of the Georgia Guard and JSTARS family," said Chief Master Sgt. Walter, 116th OG chief. "The Guard is a big network, a family as a whole."

Approximately 20 aviation and maintenance students and faculty attended the group presentation with many taking advantage of one on one time with the JSTARS flyers.

"It was very rewarding watching and listening to the students' enthusiasm grow rapidly as they learned, for the first time, about the opportunities the Georgia Air National Guard has to offer," said Maj. Travis, a pilot with the 116th ACW.