JBLE hosts Canadian Air Cadets, strengthens international bonds

by Airman 1st Class R. Alex Durbin
633rd Air Base Wing Public Affairs

3/17/2014 - JOINT BASE LANGLEY-EUSTIS, Va. -- U.S. Service members from Joint Base Langley-Eustis hosted more than 100 Royal Canadian Air Cadets from the 180th Mosquito Squadron, 173rd Tiger Squadron and the 342nd Bedford Lions Squadron March 12 and 13.

The tours on each installation showed the Canadian units the U.S. military mission, teaching the cadets about international partnerships. The tours also upheld the Canadian Air Cadet Program mission to bring the military ethos to youth and develop citizenship, said Jonathon Levy, 180th Mosquito Squadron civilian instructor and administration officer.

"Being a military sponsored organization, we try to focus on learning military structure, specifically aviation," said Levy. "We hope to see what other countries military organizations are like. The cadets love [the experiences]."

The 180th Mosquito Squadron visited Fort Eustis, touring the U.S. Army Transportation Museum, 128th Aviation Brigade, 7th Transportation Brigade (Expeditionary) vessels at 3rd Port, and received a military working dog demonstration from the 3rd Military Police Detachment.

U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Hector Reyes, 3rd MP Det. plans and training noncommissioned officer, facilitated a demonstration by explaining the various training aspects to the cadets and showcasing patrol car equipment to the 180th Mosquito Squadron.

At Langley Air Force Base, The 342nd Bedford Lions Squadron visited the 633rd Logistics Readiness Squadron, 633rd Security Forces Squadron and the Shellbank Fitness Center. The unit finished the visit with a meal at the Crossbow dining facility.

U.S. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Mark Leslie, 633rd SFS MWD kennel master, led a demonstration and answered cadets' questions. Leslie said the demonstration taught the cadets about JBLE's joint mission.

"We do a number of military working dog demonstrations every year for junior ROTC units and members of the public. Personally, I like having fun with the kids while also trying to teach them something about the mission," he said. "The international cadets seemed interested [in our mission] and asked a lot of questions to better understand what we do."

The following day, the 342nd Bedford Lion and 173rd Tiger Squadrons teamed with the Civil Air Patrol's Langley Composite Squadron to tackle the leadership obstacle course at Fort Eustis.

Cadet Rolan Naiman, 17, 180th Mosquito Squadron warrant officer, said the trip was "unique and a beneficial experience."

"It was really interesting because we got to see how diverse the U.S. [military] is," he said. "Within our cadet program, we can be in our own 'bubble' in Canada. We do promote global citizenship in the program, and [tours like this] ties to the classroom. It puts [cadets'] hands on equipment we learn about."

While the tour was beneficial to the cadets, Leslie said the tours had far-reaching effects helping to foster strong international relationships.

"It is important to share our American military culture with our international allies so they can get a better understanding of the way we operate," he said. "While conducting joint operations, many [Service members] have the opportunity to work hand-in-hand with other nations. Sharing our culture and understanding each other is a necessity to working together."