ACE Camp students visit Luke

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Tong Duong
  • 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 25 children and their parents visited Luke for a chance to participate in the second annual Aviation Career Education Camp June 2.

ACE Camp, created by the Organization of Black Airline Pilots and the Tuskegee Airman, is designed for youth age 11 to 18.

According to Tech. Sergeant Michael Williams, 56th Training Squadron Information Management NCO in charge, the camp offers youth an entry-level exposure to aviation. The primary focus is to encourage underprivileged children, primarily minorities, to explore career opportunities in the field of aviation.

The youth also:

-- Develop an awareness of the role of aviation in human history

-- Discuss the airplane as a vehicle and identify its parts

-- Learn about the role of government in aviation

-- Experience an introductory flight so they can learn firsthand about flight principles.

Not only did youth learn about the history of aviation, they also learned about present day aeronautical technology, while touring different sections of the base.

The group toured the 56th Equipment Maintenance Squadron's phase dock, the armament flight, the end of runway, the hush house, the flight simulators and other locations on base.

Robert Ashby, an original member of the Tuskegee Airman, emphasized how the young attendees need to work hard at everything they do.

"You have to give the effort," he said. "Nothing in life is easy, and you only reap the rewards when you put forth the effort -- in your school work, towards your dream and in life."