LAUGHLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- Service and dedication run deep in the Air Force, often passed down through generations. Many join the military following the advice of those they personally know–their parents who met in service, relatives who highlight the benefits, or friends who recommend joining together.
Yet, what about those with no ties to the military? Unaware that they could one day serve in the Air Force gathering critical intelligence in a U-2, providing humanitarian aid in a C-130, or flying an F-16 scrambled to defend America’s skies?
It’s this gap in connection that the Aviation Inspiration Mentorship (AIM) program aims to bridge. To open up a world of possibilities for those who have yet to envision themselves in the Air Force’s diverse landscape. The overall mission of AIM is to inform, influence and inspire the next generation of diverse aviators and leaders for the U.S. Air Force. Its vision is to restore the luster of aviation in youth within all communities across the country.
The AIM program at Laughlin Air Force Base serves as a platform for Airmen to engage with youth and share their experiences and roles within the Air Force. The program’s primary goal is to educate and inspire the next generation about the possibilities and career paths within the military.
“The AIM program is to inspire and motivate young adults that anyone, regardless of background, race, or sex, can be a pilot,” said 2nd Lt. Laura Shafer, 47th Operation Support Squadron aerospace physiologist and AIM director. “Its goals are to inform youth about how to become an Air Force aviator and officer. AIM provides a scholarship called the Aim High Flight Academy for 16 to 18-year-olds to get up to 15 flight hours.”
Through organized school visits, career day discussions and interactive sessions with Airmen, local and national students gain a deeper understanding of the Air Force mission.
“The 47th Flying Training Wing AIM program has a total of 21 members across six squadrons,” said Capt. Clarke McCollum, 87th Flying Training Squadron first assignment instructor pilot and AIM director. “In the past year we have done 11 local events interacting with upwards of 21,000 West Texas natives. These events included the Laughlin AFB Fiesta of Flight and science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) Expo, Women’s Airforce Service Pilots Airshow, college state fairs and many high school career days. In addition to local events, our wing went on four AIM sponsored events to Alaska, Rhode Island, New Hampshire, Maine and California.”
Laughlin’s AIM members have traveled coast to coast, sharing their stories and professional experiences with students in diverse communities. The strength of the AIM program lies in the personal experiences and stories of the Airmen involved.
“I think the greatest aspect about being involved in AIM is connecting with others,” said Shafer. “Empowering and motivating others is a great way to satisfy a sense of purpose. Young adults from some of the events have reached out to me personally with more questions and to stay in touch. Sharing my experiences, connecting with youth, and helping them feel valued and motivated to reach their goals is incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. Inspiring others has a contagious effect. It spreads positivity and wonder for everyone involved.”
Each Airman brings a unique perspective and background to the table. The AIM program not only introduces students to military life, but also emphasizes the importance of STEAM education and technical skills that are crucial in the Air Force. Educational interactions such as these visualize practical applications of their studies into real-world scenarios.
“My favorite event by far has been engaging with youth at the STEAM expo during the Fiesta of Flight weekend,” said Shafer. “We were able to chat with many children and young adults who were interested in aviation which is so fun to talk about and let them know that they can do it too! A close second to that event was our ‘AIM Blitz’ in Los Angeles. Talking with different schools and youth organizations there was very valuable for our AIM group to outreach with a community that had different backgrounds than our local community. Since one of our goals is diversity and inclusion, I think it is important for us to meet with many different groups from various places.”
As long as Laughlin’s AIM program continues to plant the seeds of interest in the Air Force, inspired students can look beyond the conventional and consider careers they had never imagined. The AIM program not only educates, but connects, builds and inspires the next generation of Airmen.