ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
More than 5,000 students and chaperones from area schools visited Andrews for the Joint Service Open House May 16 and had a special behind the scenes look at aircraft and other military vehicles.
"To be exact, we had 4,294 children and 786 chaperones, from 79 area schools including our feeder schools Francis T. Evans Elementary School and Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr. High School," said Cynthia Nunes-Taijeron, 316th Mission Support Squadron School Liaison Officer. "It was three times as big as the number we had last year and it was just so amazing to have such great support and participation."
One school that participated in the open house festivities was Princeton Elementary School of Suitland, Md. "We had a fabulous time today," said Carmen Berces, Professional School counselor. "I had fifth grade girls in my group who took in every sight, sound, Airman, display and hangar possible. The girls were so delighted--they found the 'Women in Aviation' booth and it was like moths to the flame. It's one thing to hear about planes, but something totally different to tangibly touch and see the aircraft. It just meant so much to them."
Ms. Berces said the event planted a seed. "I told the girls, 'you have to think about today and how the possibilities are ahead of you and are so much greater than in times past," said Ms. Berces. "The air show--it's just an extension for learning for our children."
Ms. Berces said one student in particular was especially impacted by the event. "My future doctor in the group was thrilled to be able to share time in the medical transport plane with the men and women who care for our Soldiers and Airmen on their flights home," said Ms. Berces.
A future pilot in Ms. Berces group was also awed by the planes. "The co-pilot of the C-130 allowed the girls to explore the cockpit and explained everything the girl who is considering being a future pilot wanted to know."
Ms. Berces said the event is sure to be an annual learning experience for the children. "My girls realized we had only scratched the surface, but I am sure the Joint Service Open House will be among the events that they look forward to in their futures, as well."
"Our biggest success was increasing the number of attendees from last year to this year," said Ms. Nunes-Taijeron. "It's so important to share with the children what our country's military does--not just what they see on the evening news--it's just so much more than that. Through JSOH, it gives the kids the chance to see the military up close, to ask questions and hear them speak about their lives. It also gives kids the opportunity to thank the service members for what they do for our country."