Flandreau Indian School students tour 114th FW

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt Luke Olson
  • 114th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. --  The South Dakota Air National Guard's 114th Fighter Wing hosted a base tour for 33 students and four teachers from the Flandreau Indian School Summer Academy to give them a closer look into the Air Force way of life at Joe Foss Field, May 29.

"We have kids that are interested in the military and they were very excited to come and visit the 114th and see what it is all about," said Chi Tran, teacher at Flandreau Indian School. "Most of these students are from reservations and they've never seen the military this far up-close, so to be able to see an F-16 and speak with a colonel and service members is a great experience for them."

The main goal of the FIS Summer Academy is to help kids graduate early so they can begin their careers.

The students spent the morning touring the base and learning about the many roles and specialized fields that make up the South Dakota Air National Guard.

"This is a great opportunity for students around the area to see what we do first hand at the South Dakota Air National Guard and let them experience what the life of an "Airman" is all about," said Tech. Sgt. Brian Johnson, 114th production recruiter. "To see the reaction on the student's face when they feel the rumble of our F-16s is priceless."

The 114th recruiters put together 21 tours for high school students in the fiscal year of 2014 with approximately 500 juniors and seniors in attendance. They are on pace for 24 tours and are expecting more than 600 high school students on the base for fiscal year 2015.