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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Rebekah Bennett, 41st Rescue Squadron special missions aviator, demonstrates her work gear to children from St. John the Evangelist School during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) week in Valdosta, Georgia, Feb 23. 2026. The demonstration gave students a closer look at the tools used during search and rescue operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leonid Soubbotine)

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U.S. Air Force Airman Tishana Francis, 23d Maintenance Group documentation apprentice, helps a student put on a helmet at Cook Primary, Adel, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. During Salute Our Aviation Roots, Airmen from Moody Air Force Base visited local schools to educate students about the Air Force’s mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Noah Noonan)

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U.S. Air Force 1st Lt. Bryant Pyle, 71st Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II pilot, and Senior Airman Rebekah Bennett, 41st Rescue Squadron special missions aviator, interact with children from St. John the Evangelist School during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) week in Valdosta, Georgia, Feb 23. 2026.The Airmen shared with the children what it’s like to fly and work on rescue missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leonid Soubbotine)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Dan America, 41st Rescue Squadron HH-60W Jolly Green II pilot, gives a presentation at Sallas Mahone Elementary school during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) week in Valdosta, Georgia, Feb 23. 2026. The visit gave students insight into aviation careers and the dedication required to serve. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leonid Soubbotine)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Dan America, 41st Rescue Squadron HH-60W Jolly Green II pilot, adjusts a helmet on a student from Sallas Mahone Elementary school during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) week in Valdosta, Georgia, Feb 23. 2026. The interaction gave students a closer look at the gear used in combat search and rescue missions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Leonid Soubbotine)

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U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23d Wing visit local schools during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) Week at Berrien Academy, Nashville, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. Moody Air Force Base hosted SOAR Week to highlight their aviation heritage and strengthen community connections. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Savannah Carpenter)

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U.S. Air Force Airmen assigned to the 23d Wing speak with students about their career fields and mission responsibilities during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) Week at Berrien Academy, Nashville, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. The Airmen engaged with students by sharing insights into their roles and contributions to the mission. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Savannah Carpenter)

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A Berrien Academy student receives a patch from a U.S. Air Force Airman assigned to the 23d Wing during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) Week at Berrien Academy, Nashville, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. After explaining the significance of the patches worn on their uniforms, the Airmen distributed patches to students. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Savannah Carpenter)

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Students pass around a radio at Lowndes Highschool during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) week at Valdosta, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. Students were given the opportunity to explore Air Force career fields, engage with Airmen, and gain insight into day-to-day operations. (U.S. Photo by Senior Airman Sir Wyrick)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Justin Seamon, 71st Rescue Squadron HC-130J Combat King II pilot shows off pilot gear to students at Lowndes Highschool during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) week at Valdosta, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. The visit emphasized the importance of honoring aviation roots while inspiring the next generation of Airmen. (U.S. Photo by Senior Airman Sir Wyrick)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Rodneshia Rhodes, 71st Rescue Squadron intelligence analyst, and Senior Airman Martavious White, 23 Security Forces Squadron Visitor Control Center clerk, give a presentation to students at Lowndes Highschool during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) week at Valdosta, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. Airmen engaged with attendees, offering mentorship and guidance on pathways to serve in the Air Force. (U.S. Photo by Senior Airman Sir Wyrick)

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U.S. Air Force Capt. Patrick Reimonn, 41st Rescue Squadron HH-60W Jolly Green II pilot, speaks with students at Cook Primary, Adel, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. Students asked questions about his uniform and his role in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Noah Noonan)

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A student tries on a pilot helmet during a school visit at Cook Primary, Adel, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. The helmet was displayed to help students understand equipment used by the U.S. Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Noah Noonan)

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U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Brandon Spencer, assigned to the 23d Maintenance Squadron, answers students’ questions about the Air Force during a visit to Cook Primary, Adel, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. Airmen from Moody Air Force Base volunteered as part of Saluting Our Aviation Roots. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Noah Noonan)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Austin Sundara, 23d Comptroller Squadron financial operations technician, asks Cook Middle School students a question during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) week at Cook Middle School Sparks, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. Kids from grades 6-8 were told more about the Air Force during their lunch period before they were allowed to ask their own questions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Joshua Hubbard, 23d Maintenance Group aircraft structural maintenance (left), and Tech. Sgt. Aerick Milligan, 41st Rescue Squadron HH-60W special missions aviator, speaks to students during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) week at Cook Middle School Sparks, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. The Airmen introduced themselves before opening the floor to questions. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Rachel Howell)

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A student poses wearing an HH-60W Jolly Green II pilot’s gear during a visit to Valdosta Middle School STEM Academy, Valdosta, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. Students were given the opportunity to explore future career possibilities, test out equipment and engage in discussions with the Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Bre Lewis)

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Students try on an HH-60W Jolly Green II pilot’s gear during Saluting Our Aviation Roots (SOAR) week at Valdosta Middle School STEM Academy, Valdosta, Georgia, Feb. 23, 2026. The visit gave students insight into Air Force career options and daily life in the military. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Bre Lewis)

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U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Schwebs, 23d Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, answers students’ questions about the Air Force during a visit to Valdosta Middle School STEM Academy, Valdosta, Georgia, Feb 23. 2026. The Airmen fostered community relationships and educated students about military service opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Bre Lewis)U.S. Air Force Senior Airman Michael Schwebs, 23d Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter, answers students’ questions about the Air Force during a visit to Valdosta Middle School STEM Academy, Valdosta, Georgia, Feb 23. 2026. The Airmen fostered community relationships and educated students about military service opportunities. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman Bre Lewis)

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SOAR Day 1: Taking Flight in Our Community

Published Feb. 27, 2026
By SrA Lenoid Soubbotine, SrA Sir Wyrick, SrA Iain Stanley, SrA Savannah Carpenter, A1C Rachel Howell, A1C Noah Noonan, Amn Bre Lewis
23d Wing Public Affairs

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. --

Day 1 of SOAR is officially airborne! Today, Airmen from across the installation stepped into local classrooms to share their stories and showcase the many ways we serve.

Through hands-on conversations and real-world insight, they connected with students, answered questions, and inspired the next generation of leaders. SOAR is about honoring our roots and today, we did that by investing in our future.

This is just the beginning. Stay tuned as we continue to SOAR!

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