Tuskegee Airmen program hopes to send youth interest in education sky-high

  • Published
  • By Delanie Stafford
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  JROTC cadets from Omaha Benson High School had the rare opportunity to fly one of Offutt's RC-135 Rivet Joint aircraft here Feb. 14.

No, it wasn't an actual aircraft, but the next best thing - a multi-million dollar aircraft simulator. The opportunity was made possible through a program started by the Alfonza W. Davis chapter of Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., designed to stimulate youth interest in the study of science, technology, engineering and math.

"We attempt to use aviation and aeronautics as a hook to gain their interest," said Bob Rose, who is the chapter president. "Then we try to convince them that by embracing education they will be in much better position to achieve their dreams. We also try to impress upon them the traits of the Tuskegee Airmen."

The Offutt simulator program also serves Air Force recruiting interests by educating youth on the Air Force and opportunities available to them once they graduate from high school.

"We can introduce them to the military in a positive fashion...they get an opportunity to do something that their peers only dream of," Rose said.

After a short course in basic aircraft controls, each of the six cadets took turns flying the simulator from the co-pilot seat of an RC-135 cockpit. Their flights, which were programmed into the software that controls the simulator, provided a realistic flying experience that included everything from the feel of being pinned back in your seat upon takeoff to the view of road traffic on approach. They attempted takeoffs, landings and aerial refueling, and did surprisingly well considering the difficulty of operating the aircraft.

"It was a little challenging trying to keep it steady when you're flying it," said Taylor Feltner, a junior ROTC cadet at Benson High. "It's actually pretty awesome...it felt real."

Sylvo Johnson, who volunteers as co-chairman of the chapter's youth activities committee, said the program has been very successful in bringing in youth from all over the area to include the YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs of the Midlands. More than 160 students have visited the simulator since the program began less than a year ago.

Rose said the program relies on the hard work of volunteers like Johnson, and hopes to increase membership in the Alfonza W. Davis chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. He emphasized that Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. is open to all, and not just for minorities. Anyone interested in joining the chapter can call Bob Rose at (402) 292-8912.