Reservists volunteer to help inner-city youth soar Published July 26, 2010 By Staff Sgt. Nicole Celestine 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. -- For 11-year-old Angela from Olympia, Wash., camp was going great till someone mentioned a plane ride. Having never been on an airplane before, Angela was a little nervous, to say the least. But, after she performed a pre-flight checklist, helped the other kids board the plane and made sure they were safe, Angela said the words every pilot wants to hear: "OK. I think I'll fly now." Angela was just one of nearly 70 inner-city youth who got the chance to take to the skies and see the world from a whole new angle. This was one of the goals Reservists with the 446th Airlift Wing here hoped to accomplish while volunteering on their own time with a three-day aviation camp that introduces youth to the aviation world. "Seeing kids realize they're doing something they never thought they'd be able to do... that, to me, is a big high," said Master Sgt. Brian Horton, a loadmaster with the 97th Airlift Squadron and one of the Reservists who volunteer their time to take part in the Organization of Black Aviation Professionals' youth aviation camp, July 13-15 at Boeing Field, Seattle. Sergeant Horton, who has participated in the camp since 2003, said he remembers growing up not knowing any pilots or having any knowledge about aviation. An Alaska Airlines first pilot in his civilian career, Sereant Horton added he enjoys giving youth from 10 to 18 years the chance to get interested in aviation early, as opposed to later, on in their lives. Sergeant Horton said at least one youth who has taken part in the camp in the past has become a pilot. "I want to give the kids the opportunity to experience the aviation world firsthand, so that maybe it would spark an interest in them early in their lives," said the 26-year military veteran. "Having this interest will encourage them to stay in school, stay on track, and believe that with hard work, anything's possible." Senior Master Sgt. David Kist also played an essential role in this year's camp. This year, the 97th AS loadmaster flew the youngsters in his own plane. According to the air reserve technician, people in the aviation industry take flying for granted, but for the majority of youth at the camp, this was their first time ever being on a plane. He said he made it his duty to ensure the kids left with positive impressions about airplanes and flying. The Reservist of 34 years said he did "a lot of talking and explaining about the equipment, machines and controls. I wanted to make sure the flights were not like carnival rides and no one was really frightened." This was the 15th year Master Sgt. Aubrey Robertson, 446th Maintenance Squadron section chief, has volunteered with the camp. The 37-year military veteran, who organized this year's flights, said his background in aircraft maintenance was one reason he got involved, because he wanted to show youth other career possibilities besides pilots and stewards. "I make it a point to take part in this camp," said Sergeant Robertson. "The camp gives kids a window into the aviation world and aviation-related careers, including aircraft mechanics. I can show them what a career as an aircraft mechanics is like." Sergeant Robertson said his experience coaching kids also made it easy for him to relate to them. The three-day aviation camp is the brainchild of a group of pilots who donated three single-engine planes for the flight. Along with the flight, the youth toured the Seattle Museum of Flight and experienced a flight simulator. The Reservists said they believe any amount of time spent with kids is a positive thing, because as Sergeant Robertson said, "You never know when something you say or do, will light a spark in a child."