ELLSWORTH AIR FORCE BASE -- The 28th Bomb Wing recently hosted students and faculty from Douglas Middle School to enhance their understanding of the military and explore Air Force career fields as a part of a Project Tuskegee initiative here, December 5, 2023.
Project Tuskegee is an Air Force Global Strike Command initiative to increase awareness of the educational and career opportunities in the command’s rated and non-rated career fields. The project aims to cultivate relationships with communities across the nation and to create a culture of unity that welcomes talent from all walks of life to Striker Nation.
Nearly 100 students from the local school attended the tour and had the opportunity to engage with several units across the base. The students toured the outside and inside of a B-1B Lancer, attended a security forces and military working dog demonstration, participated in an obstacle course at the fire department and explored explosive ordnance disposal’s robotics and equipment.
“The military encompasses a wide range of career fields beyond just piloting an aircraft,” said Cathy Baragar, an 8th grade social studies and career exploration teacher at Douglas Middle School. “Exposure to this career diversity can broaden their understanding of the many career paths available in the military.”
These outreach events allow Airmen from Ellsworth to connect with the local community and bolster recruiting efforts in the area.
“It provides a stronger and more realistic experience for anyone who may be considering entering the fire service at some point in their life,” said Staff Sgt. Christopher Allen, 28th Civil Engineer Squadron lead firefighter and Crew Chief. “Today’s tour allowed the fire department to introduce our craft to younger members of our community who may have a genuine interest in becoming firefighters.”
Ellsworth hosts several tours of the base throughout the year, many of which are for students from the local area and Reserve Officers’ Training Corps programs interested in learning about Air Force career opportunities. If you are interested in reserving a base tour, please call the 28th Bomb Wing Public Affairs office at 605-385-5056, or emailing 28BW.Public.Affairs@us.af.mil.