HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. - The Soldiers stood poised for action as the mob rushed them. Defenseless and outnumbered, the three helicopter pilots reflected on their training and experience to find the proper reaction. Finally one spoke:
“How many of you want to be helicopter pilots when you grow up?”
The three pilots were part of an 8-Soldier team from the 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade participating in the East Broad Street Elementary School career fair, May 18, on the school’s grounds. The mob was a group of 1st through 5th graders eager to try on Army equipment.
“We want the kids to start thinking about their future and their careers,” said Shirley Johnson, guidance counselor at East Broad Street Elementary School, and career fair coordinator. “We want them to experience different options and learn about things they may want to do and also create an interest in that career at an early age."
"Knowing what they want to be helps them decide what courses they want to take in school in order to achieve those career goals and lets them know now that they need to do well in those courses.”
In addition to the 3rd CAB, other area businesses were present to include the fire department and the Red Cross. As groups of students went from station to station they learned about various career opportunities.
The 3rd CAB provided three stations where students could see a video of the 3rd CAB’s recent deployment to Afghanistan, try on aviation helmets and flight gear, or put on body armor and explore a Humvee.
“I think it’s good that we’re out here,” said Sgt. John Herrera, a plans noncommissioned officer for Headquarters and Support Company, 603rd Aviation Support Battalion, 3rd CAB. “We are showing these kids what we do on a daily basis. These kids see the news, they hear about what we do so it’s nice to actually talk to them, to answer their questions and give them first-hand answers to their questions. Ultimately they’ll have a better understanding of the military and other career options and we can show them they can be anything they want to be, if they do well in school and listen to their teachers.”
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