A child's view of military life...Job shadow day

Published May 10, 2007

PETERSON AFB, Colo. -- Ninety children from Carmel Middle School got career lessons from members of the 21st Space Wing, as part of the annual Junior Achievement Job Shadow Day .

Students spent two hours April 20 with workplace hosts who showed them the different career paths in the military. The children learned of the professionalism that carries into a military installation, and most importantly, they gained an appreciation of the importance staying in school and building for their future.

"One of the richest traditions of our military is our volunteer programs with the local community," said Tech. Sgt. Samuel G Frontera-Ocasio, Bioenvironmental Engineering Flight. "This program offers us the opportunity to make a difference in a young child as well as showing our pride in our military careers."

Some of the children were given lunches by their different host workplaces; others received lunches from the school cafeteria and had an opportunity to hang out at the Peterson Museum. This gave them additional opportunities to discuss the military life style and career developments.

The event took children to various workplaces that included Bioenvironmental Engineering, Professional Development Center, the U.S. Air Force Academy Band, Flight Medicine, Fire Station, Fire & Emergency Services, Military Operations Flight, Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Aerospace Physiology, Information Assurance, Operations Support Squadron, Program Management Division, Computer Maintenance, Military Personnel Flight, and Power Production.

"Overall, at the end of the day, you could hear the excitement from children about how positive the military environment is," Sergeant Frontera-Ocasio said. "Some children mentioned wanting to stay in school and join the military so that they could do what we do, others mentioned how impressed they were by the warm welcome they received."

The teachers were just as impressed as the school counselor.

"In 12 years of Job Shadow Day, this is by far the most impressive and pleasant...people here are so welcoming," said Mrs. Nancy Lovell.

The JSD is a nationwide program sponsored by local Junior Achievement chapters that brings middle school children into businesses to learn about the different aspects of business and to encourage children to stay in school. JA Job Shadow introduces students to careers through one-day, on-site workplace orientations.

For information about the local Junior Achievement chapter contact Ms. Kim Perry at 636-2474, ext. 25.

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