Eielson recognizes local teachers

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jonathan Snyder
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Seven local teachers and staff members from Crawford and Anderson Elementary Schools, and Ben Eielson Senior and Junior High Schools were selected and recognized for their hard work and dedication educating children of military parents during Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3 through 9.

The following individuals were recognized and received awards; William Hawkins, a Ben Eielson Senior High School teacher; Eileen Julian, a Ben Eielson Junior High School teacher; Gregg Browder, a Crawford Elementary School teacher; Sandra Bell, an Anderson Elementary School teacher; Carol McCormick, a Ben Eielson High School support staff member; Dana Martin, a Crawford Elementary School support staff member and Linda Quarnberg, an Anderson Elementary School support staff member.

They were picked up on Wednesday, May 6, in the morning at their schools and greeted by Capt. Bart Jordan, 2009 Teacher Spotlight program project officer. Captain Jordan escorted the teachers providing them an in-depth tour of the 18th Aggressor Squadron and 354th Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dogs Kennel.

"Teachers are a great benefit to this community, educating and having a positive impact on military children," said Captain Jordan. "The Teacher Spotlight program gives the chance for the Eielson community to express appreciation to our local teachers."

The tour began at the 18th Aggressor Squadron led by Maj. Jeff Simmons, 18th Aggressor Squadron pilot. During the tour, he gave the teachers an overview of Aggressor capabilities, roles and missions during RED FLAG-Alaska. He explained the "Know, Teach, and Replicate the Threat" ethos the 18th AGRS uses to act as an opposing force employing enemy tactics against Blue Forces, or friendly, aircraft in a simulated aerial combat environment.

The tour group was also given a demonstration of cold weather gear and night-vision goggles used by the pilots followed by an up-close view of an F-16 Aggressor aircraft being prepped for a training mission.

"I enjoyed the in-depth tour at the 18th AGRS," said Ms. Julian. "This is my first time watching a pre-flight check and hearing the aircraft engine startup this close."

During the demonstration, Tech. Sgt. Nicholas Ehlinger, 354th Security Forces Squadron kennel master, explained the capability military working dogs provide toward security at Eielson AFB. He also explained the mission they have downrange; being able to find improvised explosive devices before they detonate, ultimately saving lives. Sergeant Ehlinger also explained how effective an MWD is as a deterrent against possible threats, and he showed how easily an MWD can take down a suspect trying to escape.

"I didn't realize how much of a vital role they played while deployed over in Iraq locating IEDs with their MWDs," said Mr. Browder.

The tour ended at the Yukon Club with a luncheon and presentation of awards.

"The tour went great," said Captain Jordan. "Our briefers were very professional and kept everyone captivated during the entire duration of the tour."