17th Training Wing Airmen share their career's with middle schoolers Published May 8, 2013 By Airman 1st Class Erica Rodriguez 17th Training Wing Public Affairs SAN ANGELO, Texas -- Airmen from the Goodfellow Public Affairs office spoke to students, grades 6 through 8, about their jobs in the Air Force during the Glenn Middle School Career Day, May 3. "I am very pleased that Goodfellow Air Force Base came," said Raelye Self, Glenn Middle School assistant principal. "There has never been a time that we have asked them to participate that they haven't gone out of their way. It's great having them here." Career day gave students an opportunity to ask various professionals about their careers. The professionals were asked to bring any equipment or any type of information that could better explain their jobs. Groups of students rotated to hear each speaker's briefing. As the groups came around, Staff Sgt. David Zheng, 17th Training Wing broadcaster, and Airman 1st Class Michael Smith, 17th Training Wing photojournalist, gave a short presentation on what Air Force PA specialists do daily in their career. Smith explained to the students that the main missions of PA are to provide the public with information; provide trusted counsel to leader; have global influence and deterrence; and provide communication tool to build, maintain and strengthen moral and readiness. He went on to explain the methods PA use to distribute information; through articles, photos and videos in newspapers or on the web. Zheng and Smith displayed still and live-action cameras to show the students some of the equipment PA uses to perform their jobs. The students were allowed to briefly use the equipment and ask the Airmen any questions. Students who wanted to join the military in the future were able to ask questions about what military life is like and what other jobs the Air Force offered. "I think the Air Force table is really cool because I want to be in the Air Force when I get older," said Connie Lopez, Glenn Middle School student. "I think I'd really like to be an Air Force nurse." At the end of day the Airmen were able to visit with every student at the middle school and inform them on the positive things that Air Force PA specialist do.
