Altus AFB inspires future aviators at AIM fair

U.S. Air Force Capt. Alexandra Richardson, 54th Air Refueling Squadron resource advisor and KC-135 formal training unit instructor, throws paper airplanes with students during an Aviation Inspiration and Mentorship Fair at Altus Junior High School in Altus, Oklahoma, Dec. 7, 2024. The event was held to inspire the next generation of Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Miyah Gray)

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Jaden Allen, 54th Air Refueling Squadron instructor boom operator, shows air refueling through virtual reality goggles to Zion and Isaiah Taylor, Aviation Inspiration and Mentorship Fair participants, at Altus Junior High School in Altus, Oklahoma, Dec. 7, 2024. The fair allowed children to learn about aviation careers in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Miyah Gray)

Altus AFB inspires future aviators at AIM fair

U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Thomas Reno, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron lead firefighter (right), shows bunker gear to Juniper and Jaydon, Aviation Inspiration and Mentorship Fair participants, at Altus Junior High School in Altus, Oklahoma, Dec. 7, 2024. Bunker gear is the protective clothing and equipment that firefighters wear to protect themselves from flames. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Miyah Gray)

Altus AFB inspires future aviators at AIM fair

U.S. Air Force Capt. Ryan Tharp, 97th Operations Support Squadron weather flight commander, shows a “tornado in a bottle” to Andrew Ramirez, Aviation Inspiration and Mentorship Fair participants, at Altus Junior High School in Altus, Oklahoma, Dec. 7, 2024. There are multiple science, technology, engineering, and math career fields in the Air Force, including weather specialists. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Miyah Gray)

Altus AFB inspires future aviators at AIM fair

Airman 1st Class Jordin Costa, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management journeyman, displays safety equipment to Aviation Inspiration and Mentorship Fair participants at Altus Junior High School in Altus, Oklahoma, Dec. 7, 2024. Emergency management specialists develop plans to ensure all other Air Force personnel are trained to meet mission needs and to minimize casualties and damage in the event of any disaster situation. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Miyah Gray)

Altus AFB inspires future aviators at AIM fair

U.S. Air Force Airman Corin Armentrout, 97th Civil Engineer Squadron emergency management apprentice, explains Raman spectroscopy to Brenna Marshall, 97th Air Mobility Wing commander’s wife (right), and Maggie and Griffin Marshall at an Aviation Inspiration and Mentorship fair at Altus Junior High School in Altus, Oklahoma, Dec. 7, 2024. Raman spectroscopy is a non-destructive chemical analysis based on an object’s interaction with light. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Miyah Gray)

Altus AFB inspires future aviators at AIM fair

Published Dec. 10, 2024
By Airman 1st Class Jonah Bliss
97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs

ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --

The 97th Air Mobility Wing’s Aviation Inspiration and Mentorship team hosted an aviation fair at Altus Junior High School in Altus, Oklahoma, Dec. 7, 2024. The event showcased a variety of Air Force career opportunities, from pilots and firefighters to STEM-focused roles such as weather specialists, inspiring students to explore aviation and STEM careers. By fostering a partnership between Altus Air Force Base and the local community, the fair encouraged the next generation of Airmen to see their place in these fields. As part of the AIM Wing program, the event aimed to inspire future leaders through mentorship, highlighting the diverse groups in local schools and showing them that they have a role in the Air Force community.