Marine Corps Junior ROTC cadets get glimpse of Moody operations

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brigitte N. Brantley-Sisk
  • 23rd Wing Public Affairs
MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --  More than 30 cadets from a local high school Marine Corps Junior ROTC program recently visited Moody to get a glimpse of what life on an Air Force base is like.

Students from Colquitt County High School were able to visit many aspects of base operations, from observing a military working dog demonstration to touring the health and fitness facilities.

"It's always good to get out of the classroom and be more active," said retired Lt. Col. Paul Nagy, Marine Corps Junior ROTC senior military instructor. "The cadets can then take what they have learned about the military and see how it applies in the real world."

One of the day's events, an HC-130P/N Combat King static display, was one aspect of the tour that many of the cadets liked.

"My favorite part about the visit was getting to see the aircraft and the military working dogs," said Cadet Capt. Richard Boyd, Marine Corps Junior ROTC cadet company commander. "I am already in the Marine Corps' delayed enlistment program as an aircraft mechanic, so getting to see the C-130 was great."

Approximately one-third of all cadets who participate for three or more years in the Junior ROTC program at Colquitt County High School join one of the branches of the military.

"It is always beneficial for the cadets to see how the military operates, whether they join or not," said Colonel Nagy. "Unfortunately only a small percentage of the civilian population knows how the Armed Forces operate.

"If they do join, they now have a better idea of the complex operations that are needed for success and the hard work that is required of anybody who is a part of it," he added. "This is our eighth tour to Moody and every time has been a memorable experience."

Base tours are conducted by the 23rd Wing Public Affairs office in an effort to tell a portion of the Air Force story to visitors and highlight the Air Force mission, traditions and heritage.