Youth tour control tower, 18th AGRS Published Sept. 9, 2011 By Senior Airman Janine Thibault 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- Teens from the Boys and Girls Home of Alaska were given a firsthand look at operations on base to help inspire and motivate them Aug. 31. The tour, meant to educate and encourage, allowed the teens to see aircraft and hear what Eielson does on a daily basis. They can then share the experience with the community, teach others about the lessons they learned and decide if they want to be in the Air Force. "Some of the children on the tour are interested in the military and are fascinated with military operations," said Heather Bujnoch, the Boys and Girls Home of Alaska activities coordinator. "Most of the children have never experienced a tour that allows a close look at jobs in the military." "It's important for them to have positive role models that show that you can accomplish your dreams," she said. Stops on the tour included the control tower, Red Flag building and 18th Aggressors Squadron -- each providing a different perspective of life on an Air Force base. The control tower tour allowed the children to watch the teamwork involved as Airmen communicated with pilots. After watching several F-16s take-off, they were taken to the 18th AGRS where they were given a tour of the briefing room, break room and the locker room where the pilots suit up. On the flightline, children asked a pilot questions related to the base and the aircraft they were viewing. The group was encouraged to ask any questions they had during their visit, including how to shine boots and how to identify parts of the static F-16 Fighting Falcon. "I liked that these kids were actually interested in the tour, asked smart questions and knew a lot about aviation," said Everett Hood, 353d Combat Training Squadron RED FLAG-Alaska Marine and Navy liaison. "Being able to share the experience of being in the military and flying - it's fun to share it with somebody that might want to do this one day," he added. The Boys and Girls Home of Alaska is a treatment facility that helps children ages 12 to 18 with their life struggles.