DVIDS – News – Moody Hosts 6th Annual Teen Shadow Event

MOODY AIR FORCE BASE, Ga. — The Moody Air Force Base Youth Center held its 6th annual Teen Watch event June 26, 2024, at Moody AFB, Ga.

The event connected 24 teens with Airmen in units across the 23rd Wing to inspire young people and explore the career opportunities the U.S. Air Force has to offer.

To kick off the day, the teens visited different career booths and asked questions about each Air Force specialty. They then joined the Airmen at their workplaces for the remainder of the event to get a glimpse of their work.

“We brought them into the office, showed them around and explained in more detail how we contribute to the 23rd Wing's mission,” said Master Sergeant Devin Boyer, noncommissioned officer in charge of engagement. community of public affairs of the 23rd Wing. “The opportunity to inspire young minds and get them excited about the Air Force was nothing short of incredible. I love my job and I'm glad to see that other people are excited about it too. »

The teens were able to observe a wide range of varied career fields and some were surprised by the number of paths an Airman can take in his or her career.

“It was very educational,” said Ian Martin, a teenage participant. “I know some teenagers aren’t interested in this kind of stuff, but I like it. Honestly, I didn’t even know this kind of stuff existed. I didn’t know the Air Force had a studio and that there was a whole division that took pictures. It was pretty cool to see what was available to us.”

It is important to create engaging events about military careers and the benefits they provide to help grow and strengthen the force.

“A big part of a career in public affairs is supporting recruiting efforts,” Boyer said. “Having conducted numerous visits to high school students during my career in community engagement, I know how essential it is for organizations like the Youth Center to continue to provide opportunities like this to our community. Even though this group was comprised entirely of military children, many of them had no idea what the Air Force had to offer. »

The Moody team will continue to spread the word about the mission to all who are interested. Although the impact may seem small at first glance, these commitments have lasting effects.

“I think the shadowing activity was a success,” Boyer said. “I measured that by asking them, at the beginning, if they were interested in joining the Air Force or another branch of the military. They were hesitant at first, but some of them thought about it. At the end of the shadowing activity, I asked them again and you could tell their response was a little more enthusiastic and hopeful. I’m sure some of these young minds will one day look back on these experiences and consider a career in the military.”