U.S. military inspires South African youth

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Debbie Lockhart
  • U.S. Air Forces Africa Public Affairs
WATERKLOOF AIR FORCE BASE, South Africa (AFNS) --  The sun was shining almost as brightly as the smiles on the faces of hundreds of children stepping onto a C-17 Globemaster III for the first time, Sept. 20.

The children arrived at the Africa Aerospace and Defense Exposition, here to participate in a Youth Development Program. The program partners U.S. and South African military personnel with youth to develop techniques to empower them both socially and economically.

"This is an outstanding program that gives us the opportunity to educate the youth of South Africa about careers in aviation and the military," said Brig. Gen. Mark Dillon, director of Regional Affairs, Office of the Deputy Under Secretary of the Air Force, International Affairs at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C.

Partnering with this program gives the U.S. military means to enhance cooperation and capabilities with South Africa while helping to build up future generations here through education and awareness.

"The first year the U.S. got involved with our program was in 2010 and they are the only other country that puts time and effort into working with these kids," said Lt. Col. Angela Human, South African Special Forces staff officer.

The Youth Development Program gave children the chance to ask questions and tour U.S. military aircraft and vehicles including an Air National Guard C-17 Globemaster III from the 137th Airlift Squadron at Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh, N.Y.; a KC- 135T Stratotanker from 171st Selfridge Air National Guard Base in Mount Clemens, Mich.; a C-130J Super Hercules from Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point in Cherry Point N.C; an M-1117 Armored Security Vehicle from the 442nd Military Police Company in Queens, N.Y.; and an M-1126 Stryker Armored fighter vehicle from B Company, 1st Battalion, 112nd infantry in Cambridge Springs, Pa.

"This is an awesome program for the youth of a country that is moving forward in education and career opportunities," said Capt. James Cartica Jr., 137th Airlift Squadron C-17 pilot from Stewart ANGB.

U.S. military members worked one-on-one in flight simulators with the children, giving them advice and answering any questions they had.

"This was a great experience because I want to be a pilot, said Danielle Badenhorst, Port Natal High School national essay winner. "Flying is quite extraordinary and I want to be extraordinary."

For many of the children in attendance this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to personally speak to pilots, engineers and other service members involved in aviation from both the South African military and the U.S. military.

"Learning and taking in what they've said will give me a better view on how to achieve what I want to achieve," Badenhorst said.

According to event organizers, children living in the outskirts of the country were flown into the exposition to participate in the program by the South African military. Enabling those in poor communities to partake in the event and encourage them to become resilient and self-reliant.

"The kids here today are the cream-of-the-crop and this is an excellent chance for us to help encourage them to focus on their education and their future careers." Dillon said.

More than 3,000 children participated in the program during the exposition.

"This exposition is more than just a military event; it's a chance to build long term partnerships between South Africa and the U.S." Dillion said. "Where better to start than with the youth?"