Alabama State University News February 7, 2017 AFROTC Cadets Gain Valuable Firsthand Experience Cadets from Alabama State University's Air Force ROTC Detachment 019 recently visited Eglin Air Force Base and Hurlburt Field in Florida to gain firsthand knowledge about life in the United States Air Force. The two-day visit, Jan. 5-7, 2017, provided cadets an opportunity to visit a number of organizations and speak with Air Force officers about career options and experiences. "I am always pleased to talk to the cadets about the Air Force, but this visit allowed the cadets to experience the Air Force for themselves," said Lt. Col. Ann Graham, AFROTC Detachment 019 Commander. "I appreciate ASU's leadership for their support, as well as the U.S. Air Force for providing opportunities for our cadets to broaden their knowledge." During their trip to Hurlburt Field, the cadets visited the 1st Special Operations Wing's Air Traffic Control Center, Weather Operation Center, Air Flight Equipment Division, 4th Special Operations Squadron, which included night vision goggles demonstrations and a tour of the Logistics Readiness Squadron. At Eglin AFB, the cadets had a chance to visit the McKinley Climate Lab, Security Forces Squadron (including K-9 demonstrations), and the Air Force Armament Museum. The cadets were lodged at Hurlburt Field's Visiting Officer Quarters (VOQ) and ate at the bases' dining facilities. They also had a chance to visit the Base Exchange store, gymnasium and on-base beach recreational area. The trip ended with a teambuilding Laser Tag adventure. "The base visit to Eglin AFB/ Hurlburt Field was very informational and exciting," said Cadet Aliyah Stewart, a freshman biology major. "I enjoyed the opportunity to have a firsthand look into a number of the jobs in the United States Air Force. Overall, I enjoyed my time at Hurlburt Field the most, and I hope to be stationed there for my first assignment." Cadet Eran East, a senior enrolled at Faulkner University and member of ASU's AFROTC Det. 019, said the trip was definitely an-eye opening experience. "Even though I already know my job for active duty, the trip allowed me to see how my area and other jobs interact to complete the Air Force mission," East said. For more information about ASU's AFROTC Detachment 019 call 334-229-4305. About Eglin AFB and Hurlburt Field Eglin AFB, located near Valparaiso, Fla., is an Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC) base serving as the focal point for all Air Force armaments. Eglin is responsible for the development, acquisition, testing, deployment and sustainment of all air-delivered, non-nuclear weapons. The base plans, directs and conducts tests and evaluations of U.S. and allied air armament, navigation and guidance systems, and command and control systems. Severe weather testing of aircraft and other equipment is carried out at the McKinley Climatic Laboratory. Hurlburt Field (Home of Air Force Special Operations) is located in Okaloosa County, Fla. It is part of the greater Eglin Air Force Base reservation and is home to Headquarters 1st Special Operations Wing. SANDRA M. PHOENIX HBCU Library Alliance Executive Director Atlanta University Center Robert W. Woodruff Library 111 James P. Brawley Drive SW Atlanta, GA 30314 404-978-2118 (office) 404-702-5854 (cell) http://www.hbculibraries.org/ sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org%3cmailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org>> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hbculibraryalliance1/ and Twitter https://twitter.com/HBCULibAlliance Check out "PULSE!" The HBCU Library Alliance's News Source! - https://hbculibraryalliance.wordpress.com/