Passport to Adventure gives kids an inside look at 440th

by Maj. Erin Karl
440th Airlift Wing, Public Affairs

5/13/2014 - POPE FIELD, N.C. -- The children of 440th Airlift Wing members got to experience some of what it takes to drive the airlift mission every day during a Passport to Adventure event May 3.

Members from maintenance, security forces, the fabrication shop, flight equipment, aeromedical evacuation, and operations participated in the special event. Many set up stations in the propulsion flight building where children could get hands-on with the equipment and have an up-close-and-personal tutorial in the finer points of the 440th mission. There was also a static C-130 Hercules which was staffed by pilots, loadmasters, and flight nurses.

"My co-workers and I really enjoyed the chance to showcase the propulsion aspect of maintenance and how it applies to the daily mission we are all committed to," said Tech. Sgt. Emmanuel Perez, a propulsion craftsman with the 440th Maintenance Squadron.

In addition to the children of wing members who attended, a Y Princess troop from Raleigh, North Carolina, made their way down to get a first-hand look at the inner workings of the 440th mission. The Y Princess program is for first, second and third grade girls and their fathers and is operated by the YMCA.

"This was such a wonderful opportunity," said Heather Quesenberry, mother of a Y Princess troop member. "It's amazing to see the high level of knowledge and proficiency these young men and women have in their jobs. They take a great deal of pride and it shows."

The event was organized by the Family Day Picnic Planning Committee with help from Nancy Schmitkons, wife of 440th Airlift Wing Vice Commander Col. Karl Schmitkons.

"The goal of the Passport to Adventure event was to give our wing families a chance to see what our Airmen do in the reserve," said Mrs. Schmitkons. "Family members often here about the jobs our Airmen do, but this gave them a chance to see it firsthand."