News

Boy scouts explore McChord Field

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Madelyn McCullough
  • 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. --  Two local Boy Scout troops explored new territory May 3 when a 446th Airlift Wing avionics mechanic led them on a tour around the base.

The visitors were Boy Scout Troop 171 of Northeast Seattle and Tiger Scout Troop 222 from the Key Peninsula in Washington. They scanned the horizon in the air control tower, tinkered with the equipment at the fire department, and journeyed through history at Heritage Hill.

Tech. Sgt. Andrew Madrid from the 446th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron is both a parent and an active supporter of the Troop 222 Tiger Scouts. He assisted in organizing the tour for the scouts.

"The den leader had asked the parents to help get some field trips arranged and to find tasks in the Tiger Cub manual where the boys could earn segments and badges," Madrid said. "I felt the Reserve was a great place for a tour, as we have a variety of jobs, unique facilities, and great people that make Team McChord a success."

Diana Abson, wife of Col. Paul Abson, Commander of the 446th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, also brought along the troop she leads, Troop 171 to participate in the tour. She enjoys working the scouts because she thinks it is great to see the boys develop into young men, become confident, expand their limits and become leaders, she said.
The up-and-coming leaders began their tour in the control tower.

"Some of the kids liked being up high in the tower and being able to see the C-17's on the flightline," Madrid said. "They enjoyed the tower simulator and having the planes on the screen crash into the ground and into each other."

They all thought the fire department was really cool since the fire fighters allowed them to get in the trucks and try on their gear, he said. They liked the fire truck water display because they told them that the truck was a decepticon from the Transformer movie.

"Some of the boys were interested in becoming fire fighters at McChord," he added.

At the end of the tour, everyone stepped inside to learn about the C-141 Starlifter. Additionally, Troop 171 ate MREs for the first time then toured the inside of a C-17 Globemaster III.

One scout didn't want the eventful day to end.

"Colin came home and did not take his Boy Scout uniform off all day and night," said Anna Rocks, mother of Boy Scout Colin Rocks. "He usually gets more comfortable in PJ's but had such a great day, I think he wanted to remember it!"

"I think the scouts and parents have a greater understanding of what happens at an air base," Madrid said. "It's not just about [service members] and airplanes. It's about a diverse group of people working together in different career fields to accomplish the mission."

From the tour, the scouts had achieved the new badges they needed and gained a memorable experience.

"We push the boys to try new experiences and go a little outside their comfort zone," said Abson. "They learned about the military, aviation, aviation careers, and also had fun -- a great combo."