MANSFIELD – Seventh and eighth grade students from Richland County fashioned helmets, vests, rucksacks and even a gas mask.
They also had a chance to look through night vision goggles and experience first-hand what military members have to wear and use either in training or real-world operations.
It was part of last week’s LeaderRichland program at The Ohio State University at Mansfield (OSU-Mansfield) and North Central State College (NCSC) Campus. Members from the 179th Airlift Wing (AW) and 200th RED HORSE Squadron (RHS) Det. 1 engaged with the students about potential academic and career development the Ohio Air National Guard offers.
“At this stage of their life most of these young men have not given any thought to what they want to do or be, Leader Richland provides us a chance to introduce the ANG and its awesome benefits and opportunities to serve as citizen-airmen,” 200th RHS Deputy Commander Lt. Col. Joseph Logan. “Hopefully in a few years when they are trying to figure out life beyond high school some will remember this and want to serve.”
Students also watched a video that highlighted the ANG and the different capabilities the organization provides.
“It was a lot of fun to show the kids what I do and have them try out some of our equipment,” Security Forces Specialist Staff. Sgt. James Unger said. “It’s nice to see the impact on the children. The children get an opportunity to see the benefits of serving the local community.”
179th AW Executive Officer Maj. Brandy Piacentino, Public Affairs Officer 1st Lt. Paul Stennett, and Logistics Flight Commander Capt. Joshua Clegg spoke with students about their positions and experience while serving in the Air National Guard (ANG).
Unger brought gear commonly used by the security forces squadron for the students to try on, touch and learn how to use.
“It was great to expose the kids to what we do here at the 179th AW and 200 RHS, many of them were unaware there was even an ANG unit in country,” Clegg said.
