Airman returns home during Air Force Week Sacramento

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AFNS) -- The last time Lt. Col. Ray Powell walked the halls of Rosa Parks Middle School in Sacramento he was a lot shorter, a lot younger and a whole lot less excited. 

Of course, he was in eighth grade and would rather be anywhere than school. He was picked on relentlessly and most of his classmates came from less than desirable circumstances. His favorite part of every day was the bell signaling the end of school. 

Today, though, this school was exactly where he wanted to be. 

"Ever since I left, I've always wanted to come back and show the kids here that they can do anything they set their mind to," he said. 

And Air Force Week Sacramento afforded him just that opportunity. 

The colonel is the commander of the United States Air Force Honor Guard and when he found out the Air Force Week program was making Sacramento the next stop on its tour, he asked if there was any way his old middle school could be added to the list of schools his unit's drill team visited. 

"At every Air Force Week, the Honor Guard's drill team performs at several schools in the local area," Colonel Powell said. "So, we added Rosa Parks Middle School to the schedule and I couldn't be happier." 

So, on a hot, sunny Northern California afternoon, the drill team demonstrated its skills in front of the faculty and student body of the colonel's old middle school and executed a flawless performance. 

And amid the hoots and hollers, the cheers and applause, the colonel stood watching, beaming. 

"It was very moving," he said. "And I hope I was able to show these kids that it doesn't matter where you come from, you can still do anything." 

This home coming wasn't just for the colonel, though. In the crowd, seeing the drill team for the first time was someone who found the performance particularly special: his mom. 

"It was an amazing performance," said Jonah Powell. "And I couldn't be more proud of him. This is something he's wanted to do for a long time." 

The drill team will perform at other schools during Air Force Week Sacramento and at the California Capitol Air Show, which takes place Sept. 12 and 13 and features the Air Force's premiere aerial demonstration team, the Thunderbirds. 

Air Force Week is a weeklong event designed to highlight the Air Force's people, equipment and mission throughout the local community.

For more information about Air Force Week Sacramento, visit the Air Force Week Web site at www.airforceweek.af.mil or call the Travis Air Force Base public affairs office at (707) 424-2011.