Page 13 - Luke AFB Thunderbolt Oct. 2 2015
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Thunderbolt NEWS Oct. 2, 2015
http://www.luke.af.mil
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T-bolts see ‘big picture’ in immersion program
by Airman Courtesy photo DUWVKROGLQJÀUHKRVHVORRNLQJDWVQDNHV
PEDRO MOTA welding, checking out explosive ordnance
Staff Sgt. Cody Phillips, 56th Logistics Readiness Squadron air and transportation robots and playing out scenarios while
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs supervisor, briefs immersion program participants at Luke Air Force Base. The im- paint balling.
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Want to learn more about the missions Luke. The group is made up of two participants from each of the four 56th Fighter ´,ZDVVDWLVÀHGE\WKHIDFWZHJRWWRVHH
of other squadrons at Luke? Wing groups and the 56th FW staff agencies. the end product and the lasting effect of
projects we worked on,” said Airman 1st
Every quarter the 56th Fighter Wing to the participants, it was a huge success. mersion program each time. But, because Class Malachi Speller, 56th Medical Oper-
hosts an immersion program to provide “Those who participate are chosen by of the positive feedback we have been ations Squadron mental health technician.
enlisted Airmen in the ranks airman basic receiving, the number of people should “By going behind the scenes, we observed
to technical sergeant with a glimpse into their superintendents,” Castillo said. increase.” some of the customs and courtesies as well
the inner workings of the four groups on “They pick two Airmen from their group, as the actual work they do daily. I would
base and 56th FW agencies as well. for a total of 10 people attending the im- The Airmen experienced the culinary love to attend another immersion program
in the future. The opportunity to attend
“Members who are selected to attend the was an honor.”
immersion program spend a day with the
host group and attend lunch at Club Five What was once for only a select few is
Six with the command chief,” said Master now open to everyone.
Sgt. James Castillo, 56th Force Support
Squadron superintendent of manpower “In the past, only award winners were
and personnel. “The day is planned by the invited to participate in the immersions,”
host group. The program rotates quarterly Castillo said. “But we are now opening it
from group to group or to the wing agen- up to others because it is a lot of fun and
cies.” people learn so much.”
The immersion program gives Airmen The immersion program lets groups re-
the opportunity to experience hands-on ward outstanding performers and, in turn,
ZKDW RWKHU XQLWV GR WR IXOÀOO WKH ZLQJ the participants learn more about what is
mission. going on in other units.
“Typically, the event only lasts a day,” “Basically, it lets our stand-out per-
Castillo said. “Instead of being briefed by formers see a bigger part of the picture,”
each squadron on what it does in a typical Castillo said. “They have the potential to
day, the Airmen get to participate in live grow in the Air Force and get a greater
scenario events.” breadth of experience. They will carry that
experience with them and spread the word
The 56th Mission Support Group hosted RQKRZRWKHUVÀWLQWRWKHPLVVLRQµ
the September immersion event. According
Adventure
antique mall