News

Reservists give Academy cadets a taste of things to come

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Javier Cruz
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Reservists from the 97th Airlift Squadron dropped members from the Wings of Blue parachute team over the U.S. Air Force Academy Falcon Stadium in Colorado Springs Colo., Oct.29-31.

The 12-person Wings of Blue team, which performs maneuvers in altitudes ranging from 4,500 to 11,000 feet, provided a pre-game show during the Air Force Academy Falcons game against the University of Utah Utes.

Members from the aircrew also provided an orientation flight for six cadets, one of whom was the son of Lt. Col. David Mets, the aircraft commander for the mission and Academy graduate.

"This experience gives the cadets a taste of what the operational Air Force is like," said the 21-year military veteran. "It also helps them make a more informed decision about their careers."

Cadet Rachel Kennedy, a native of Wasilla, Alaska, said the orientation flight was her first military flight. The cadet praised her Academy teachers and the 97th AS aircrew who gave her the chance to see the different aspects of C-17 Globemaster III procedures firsthand.

As a bonus, the aircrew, consisting of mainly Academy graduates, Maj. Mike Parker class of 2000, Maj. Jason Allen class of 2000, Maj. Jon Mosier class of 1989, and Colonel Mets Class of 1989 got the chance to visit their alma mater and to cheer for the Falcons.