Cadets get a chance to look through eyes of Air Force members Published Aug. 2, 2010 By Airman 1st Class Nicholas Benroth 23rd Wing Public Affairs MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. -- Moody recently hosted cadets from the U.S. Air Force Academy as part of Operation Air Force, a program that allows cadets to experience active duty life. The program provides an opportunity for cadets who are in their sophomore year to travel to Air Force bases throughout the world to experience the military lifestyle and different career fields. The first day of their three-week visit started here with a tour of the Valdosta, Ga., community. A few of the different places the cadets visited included Smith Northview Hospital and the Tilapia Fish Factory. John Fretti, the mayor of Valdosta, also took some time to meet with the cadets. Mayor Fretti spoke to them about the different times the community and base worked together in support of different events that had occurred and the mutual support they give each other. "Having the cadets visit the community is a good way for them to see the local area and see what Valdosta has to offer," said Chuck Roberts, Smith Northview Hospital assistant administrator. "It's a great opportunity for the cadets to see how the community works to support Moody members." The cadets spent the rest of their their visit touring the different squadrons at Moody and learning more about the base and its mission. The different facilities toured included the 71st Rescue Squadron, 23rd Medical Group clinic and 41st Rescue Squadron. "This is an amazing experience for us to get the chance to visit the different units here," said cadet Raymond Leinenbach. "Having the opportunity to ride on aircraft and visit the different squadrons on base is a real treat, it's different from what we usually get to do." There were three separate groups of cadets that visited Moody throughout the summer.