Growing Our Own

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Robert Mrowiec
  • 312th Training Squadron
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Lt. Col. Derek R. Ferland, 312th Training Squadron Commander, presented five technical Special Instruments Training Flight students letters of appreciation for their participation and support of the Month of the Military Child event at the Youth Center held on April 25.

Following her opening remarks, Col. Kimberlee P. Joos, 17th Training Wing Commander, took a moment to speak to the staff and students.

She commented, "I always love seeing [SPINSTRA] at events like these because it gives us the opportunity to showcase the awesome capabilities Airmen learn about in our schoolhouse."

SPINSTRA demonstrated the different tools and sciences that they use in their jobs for over 450 children and their families. The event was also the first time that technical training students from SPINSTRA were provided the opportunity to represent the schoolhouse and perform demonstrations at a base-wide event.

The staff performed a few demonstrations to show the students how to do it, than they handed the reins to the students.

According to SPINSTRA, events like these are an excellent opportunity to enable the Airmen and give them a chance to demonstrate what they know. The students' professionalism and performance were nothing short of outstanding.

Airman 1st Class Chloe P. Ingram, 312th Training Squadron student, was one of the students that performed the demonstrations.

When asked about the event she commented, "I was really excited when we were given the opportunity and challenge of being the first students to participate in this kind of event. I was nervous at first, but I was proud that we were trusted to represent the schoolhouse and squadron like this. I had fun at the event and I learned a lot from the staff."

SPINSTRA has been providing demonstrations and presentations to the local community for many years. SPINSTRA appeared at Angelo State University on November 10, 2014, to demonstrate at a regional Kindergarten to 12th grade robotics competition. Following that event, SPINSTRA's popularity has grown and the number of invitations to appear at other events and schools has exploded.