TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall Airmen worked to inspire young leaders and strengthen community alliance by showing high school juniors their specialties during a base tour for Junior Leadership Bay June 22.
JLB is a program tailored for the personal and professional growth of high school juniors in Bay County. Students in JLB are hand-picked based on their willingness to involve themselves in the community and their leadership skills.
“Tyndall has been a site for the students to visit because of the major economic role the base plays in our community,” said Elizabeth Smith, JLB vice president of events and foundation. “It is important for us to show our students the role Tyndall has as well as the opportunities it could give to them after the completion of high school and college.”
JLB’s first stop was the fighter wing headquarters where base Defenders introduced the students to Quad-legged Unmanned Ground Vehicles, nicknamed “robot dogs”. Following the robots, they watched a military working dog practice commands and perform tasks with a handler.
“Showcasing the behind the scenes of the mission allows Airmen to inspire youth with their day-to-day life,” said Tom Bonifay, 325th Fighter Wing chief of community relations. “By taking them around base and explaining what different Airmen do, we’re not only showing what the Air Force is like, but we’re showing the Air Force is ready to project unrivaled combat airpower.”
Partnering with JLB gives the community insight on how Tyndall works to accomplish its mission right from the source.
In addition to learning about Security Forces, JLB had the opportunity to visit the firing range, fire department, and tour a QF-16 aircraft. After touring the QF-16, they experienced the F-15 flight simulator.
“Allowing the members of JLB to fly in the simulator gives them a once-in-a-lifetime memory to take home,” said Bonifay. “Tyndall’s day-to-day operations are exciting. We are ensuring these juniors go home with a better understanding of what Tyndall does, which gets them excited about their own future.”