Students get behind-the-scenes look at Air Force

  • Published
  • By Capt. Angela Johnson
  • Air Warfare Center Public Affairs
NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. (AFPN) --  More than 1,500 of the nation’s top high-school students and 500 adult advisers visited here June 29. Representing all 50 states and Puerto Rico, the students were in Las Vegas from June 26 to 30 for the National Association of Student Councils 68th Annual National Conference.

While here, the visitors watched a Thunderbird demonstration and visited static displays of aircraft including the A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-15 Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-22 Raptor and HH-60G Pave Hawk. Hundreds of people here, recruiters from across Nevada, and liaison officers from the Air Force Academy were on hand to talk to the students.

“This was a great opportunity for Nellis to show these young people what a great place the Air Force is,” said Maj. Gen. Stephen G. Wood, Air Warfare Center commander. “What a great group of teenagers these kids were -- they are our future.”

This year’s conference, themed “Leadership Lights,” provided an experience designed to develop a passion for learning, communication, individual growth and unity for student leaders, officials said.

Nellis was picked as a stopping point for the conference because it shows a very important part of Las Vegas, officials said.

“We wanted the attendees to see what special things we offer in Las Vegas besides just the strip,” said Judy Beal, conference coordinator. “Many of the students have never seen an Air Force base. This gives them a chance to see what the Air Force is all about and possibly bring supporters to our armed services.”

“Working with and visiting Nellis gave us the chance to see how much really goes into protecting our country,” said Ashli Stauffer, national student co-chair from a nearby high school.

The Honor Guard and 51 base volunteers also participated in flag ceremonies. Retired Maj. Gen. Billy G. McCoy, a former Air Warfare Center commander, spoke to the attendees on commitment and the millions of Americans who have made sacrifices to support freedoms. He also encouraged them to take advantage of education.