An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Home : News : Article View
NEWS | June 21, 2012

Louisville area youth learn about military aviation from the Kentucky Air National Guard

By Air Force Master Sgt. Phil Speck 123rd Airlift Wing

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - More than 50 Louisville-area youth spent June 15 visiting the 123rd Airlift Wing to learn about career opportunities in military aviation and the Kentucky National Guard.

The day's events, which included orientation flights on a Kentucky Air National Guard C-130 Hercules transport plane and static tours of a Kentucky Army National Guard UH-60 Black hawk helicopter, were the culmination of the week-long Summer Aviation Career Education Academy, a local summer camp that focuses on instilling an interest in aviation in young people.

"The mission is to educate, proliferate and stimulate interest in the aerospace community," said Air Force Lt. Col. Jeff Harrison, a C-130 pilot with the Kentucky Air Guard.

The camp exposed the students, who ranged in age from sixth-graders to high school seniors, to many aviation opportunities, Harrison said. Earlier in the week, the students trained in a flight simulator, visited the air traffic control tower at Louisville International Airport and logged flying time at Bowman Field that can be applied toward a private pilots' license.

The visit to the Kentucky Air Guard began with the students' being welcomed by Maj. Gen. Edward. W. Tonini, adjutant general of the Kentucky National Guard, who encouraged them to consider careers in the Kentucky Guard. Next, they received briefings on aircrew flight equipment and aircraft safety before touring the 123rd Special Tactics Squadron and boarding a C-130 for a local training sortie.

One student, Adam Ackermann, said he's been participating in the program for the past three summers and credits the camp with instilling a love of aviation.

"I got into this camp three years ago, and that really made me want to be a pilot," Ackermann said. "I want to fly the C-130, and it makes me more interested every year because there is always something different to learn about."

The Kentucky National Guard has supported the aviation camp for 15 years, Harrison said.

 

 

Related Articles
Indiana National Guard leadership poses with front from right, Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett Milton, Chief Warrant Officer 3 Craig Adams, Sgt. 1st Class Adam Kabella and Sgt. Dalton McCollum, are recognized for their heroism during a ceremony at Stout Field in Indianapolis, Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. The soldiers received their awards for helping to save lives during Kentucky floods in February.
Four Indiana National Guard Soldiers Awarded Indiana Distinguished Service Cross
By Master Sgt. Jeff Lowry, | Sept. 12, 2025
INDIANAPOLIS — Four Hoosier National Guard Soldiers received the Indiana Distinguished Service Cross awards during a Sept. 12 ceremony at Indiana National Guard headquarters at Stout Field.Chief Warrant Officer 4 Brett...

U.S. Airmen with the 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training from Harrisburg International Airport in Middletown, Pennsylvania, September 11, 2025, timed to commemorate Patriot Day. This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II aircraft followed a route visible to many in Central Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania Air Guard Commemorates Patriot Day With Formation Training Flight
By Sgt. 1st Class Zane Craig, | Sept. 12, 2025
MIDDLETOWN, Pa. – Pennsylvania Air National Guard’s 193rd Special Operations Wing conducted routine Launch the Fleet training Sept. 11, timed to commemorate Patriot Day.This formation flight of six MC-130J Commando II...

U.S. Army Capt. Mitchell Hagen teaches Ecuadorian servicemembers of the 9th Special Forces Brigade how to approximate the height of trees as part of a class on landing zone designation in Latacunga, Ecuador, Aug. 21, 2025. This final day of the State Partnership Program's air assault exchange consisted of practical, hands-on training in the field. (U.S. Army National Guard photo by Sergeant Caleb Sooter)
Kentucky Guard, Ecuador Conduct Air Assault Training Exchange
By Sgt. Caleb Sooter, | Sept. 12, 2025
LATACUNGA, Ecuador - Members of the Kentucky National Guard took part in a four-day air assault training exchange with the Ecuadorian 9th Special Forces Brigade as part of the Department of War National Guard Bureau’s State...