90th EAMU hosts tour for Machananao Elementary School students

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jamie Lessard
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The 90th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit, deployed from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, hosted Machananao Elementary School on Andersen's flightline to give the students an idea of what their job as F-22 maintainers entails. 

Since deployed to Andersen AFB, more than a hundred airmen from the 90th EAMU have been volunteering with Machananao Elementary, and have donated $750 in school supplies, two lawn mowers, $300 in sports equipment and another $250 for miscellaneous supplies.

Along with monetary donations the maintainers spend time cleaning up the school's grounds and assisting every other Friday in the student's sport/fitness day.

"We have been working with the students since mid-January doing things like tutoring after school for kids that are behind in their studies," said Senior Master Sgt Jackey Sperling, 90th AMU weapons superintendent.

From talking to school staff, it became evident to the Airmen that the students did not get to do or see much outside of school and home.

"After I showed them pictures of our work on the flightline, I thought it would be a great idea to get them out to see what we do," Sergeant Sperling said. "They were simply amazed at the pictures of our work area."

While on the flightline the third, fourth and fifth graders along with school staff, got to see how missiles were loaded onto the F-22. Along with maintainers, the pilots were on hand to answer questions like how fast and high the aircraft flies.

After experiencing the Raptors up close, many of the students like Cris Yerten, a fourth grader, made the decision to join the Air Force. 

"My favorite part was learning about the missiles," Cris said. "I want to be a fighter pilot when I grow up."
 
According to Ceferino Duarosan, a second grade teacher and coordinator for the tutorial program, the Air Force involvement has brought a lot of positive change to the students and brings the community to a school that otherwise doesn't often get that exposure. 

"We really appreciate the Airmen coming out to the school," Cef said, "the students really look up to them."
 
An added plus, the students got to witness the reenlistment ceremony of Tech. Sgt. George Baker, 90th EAMU, presided over by Lt. Col. David Piffarerio, 90th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron.