Learning starts early at Cardwell

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt Ashley Wolfe
  • 47th Flying Training Wing public affairs
LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Two members from Laughlin volunteered their time Dec. 1 at Irene C. Cardwell Elementary, a pre-kindergarten school in Del Rio. Cardwell hosted the members as part of a series they are doing focusing on space, science and technology.

First Lt. Heather Tevebaugh, a 47th Flying Training Wing aerospace physiologist, and Capt. Justin Bridges-Crawford, a 47th Flying Training Wing instructor pilot, were the main attraction at the event.

Around 400 students sat on the floor of the school's cafeteria to watch Lieutenant Tevebaugh discuss how the gear pilots wear keeps them safe while they fly. Lieutenant Tevebaugh even had Jessica Faz, a teacher at Cardwell, volunteer to put the gear on as a demonstration.

"The children remember events like this. During reviews at the end of the year, the children will remember seeing the pilots and talking about airplanes," said Faz.

Linda Guanajuato-Webb, principal of Cardwell, said that she thinks this is a great opportunity for the children to learn about flight and the science that goes behind it. She even assigned all the children to build an airplane over Thanksgiving break with their parents.

The learning is not done only by the students. Projects, like the airplane, are sent home so parents can learn from it as well.

The cafeteria is now decorated with hundreds of airplanes made from soda cans, seasoning containers and cardboard.

Captain Bridges-Crawford took the stage to describe the importance of keeping up with studies in school and working hard so you can be anything you want to be.

After Laughlin's members spoke, the Del Rio High School ROTC students performed their marching and rifle drills to entertain the children.

For information on arranging a speaker for your school or program, call 830-298-4752.