Nellis hosts 100 students for National Job Shadow Day Published Feb. 16, 2011 By Airman 1st Class Jamie Nicley Nellis Public Affairs NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. -- The U.S. Air Force Warfare Center participated in National Job Shadow Day by hosting 100 Clark County students Feb. 2. Just over ten years ago, Colin Powell, former Secretary of State, created National Job Shadow Day. Today, numerous businesses participate in the National Job Shadow Day in order to help prepare youth for college and, most importantly, to end the high school dropout crisis throughout the United States. Project 5000, a group of Las Vegas individuals and businesses that focuses on mentorship and encourages students to stay in school, organized this year's job shadowing event for Clark County School District students. Byron Goynes, the city of Las Vegas planning commissioner and a member of Project 5000, explained why visiting Nellis was a unique opportunity for these students. "The difference from the civilian businesses involved [in the National Job Shadow Day] is that the Air Force truly provides our youth a structured environment and well-defined career path," Mr. Goynes said. "Our youth have learned that the military operates much like a small city with many sustainable careers that provide the ability continue their education while serving and protecting our nation." During their tour, the students were treated to demonstrations that provided an insight into daily military operations. The students also received briefings on how to succeed in many different Air Force career fields and were introduced to the 99th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs, the 763rd Maintenance Squadron's rescue helicopters and the 820th REDHORSE Squadron's major construction equipment. Angela Okelberry, a Canyon Springs High School career information specialist, thought the tour of Nellis helped students see the military from a different perspective. "Generally, the image students have of the military is skewed due to video games and the daily images of war they see on the news," she said. "This visit gave the students an opportunity to experience firsthand that there is a lot more to being in the military than warfare."
