Moody Hosts 6th Annual Teen Shadowing Event > Moody Air Force Base > Article Display

The Moody Air Force Base Youth Center hosted its 6th annual Teen Watching event June 26, 2024, at Moody AFB, Georgia.

The event connected 24 teens with Airmen from 23rd Wing units to inspire youth and explore career opportunities in the U.S. Air Force.

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,” Tech said. Sgt. Devin Boyer, 23rd Wing Public Affairs community engagement noncommissioned officer in charge. “The opportunity to inspire young minds and get them excited about the Air Force was nothing short of incredible. I love my work and I'm glad to see that other people are interested in 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 their 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 hosted many tours with high school students during my career in community engagement, I know how critical it is for organizations like the Youth Centre 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 present the mission to all who are interested. Even if the impact may seem small at first glance, these commitments have lasting impacts.

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