Taking a closer look

A sixth-grade student from San Felipe Memorial Middle School takes a closer look at Capt. Daniel Collette’s flight helmet during Career Day. Capt. Collette, 87th Flying Training Squadron, was one of many volunteers from Laughlin to take part in the annual event. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Courtney Kippenberger)

Listening close

Senior Airman Boniface Sapno, 47th Security Forces Squadron, gives detailed instructions to a group of sixth-grade students during their annual Career Day. The event, which involves months of planning, is aimed at making students aware of what career paths they might like to take during their secondary education and on. (U.S. Air Force photo by 2nd Lt. Courtney Kippenberger)

Laughlin supports local middle school's Career Day

Published Dec. 19, 2006
By 2nd Lt. Courtney Kippenberger
47th FTW Public Affairs

LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Signs reading "It is never too early to start planning for your career" decorated the walls at San Felipe Memorial Middle School as members of Laughlin and Del Rio shared their experiences and expertise in their career fields Friday.

More than 30 volunteers showed up early, ready to share their knowledge with the 732 students that walk the school' s halls everyday. Among the volunteers were Laughlin people representing aircraft maintenance, dental, finance, security forces and the Operations Group.

"Del Rio does a lot to support Laughlin, this is our chance to give back not only a positive image, but to also be positive role models," said Staff Sgt. Benjamin Burnes, 47th Security Forces Squadron.

Although the students are only in the sixth grade, Joe Rodriguez, counselor at San Felipe Memorial Middle School, feels it is important to prepare them for the future now.

"It is a huge benefit for the kids to know what kinds of careers are out there. Many of these kids have never left Del Rio. This is our way of motivating the students and preparing them for college," said Rodriguez.

Many of the presenters told stories, showed movies, and brought props so the students could get a true hands-on experience.

"The one thing I wanted to get across to the students is that if you focus on school and stay out of trouble, you will be on your way to success," said Senior Airman Boniface Sapno, 47th SFS.

Career day, which requires months of planning and coordination, is an annual event sponsored by the school.