LW Cadets Receive Orientation Flight With IL Air National Guard

MANHATTAN, IL — Lincoln-Way cadets had the unique opportunity to visit the 182nd Airlift Wing in Peoria on Sept. 6. The district said sixty cadets from Lincoln-Way Central, East and West were afforded an inside look at how an airlift wing conducts a flying mission and received an operational support briefing covering aircrew flight equipment.

Cadets were shown what a typical aircrew member uses during flight—from night vision
goggles to parachute gear to survival equipment. The district said the cadets also boarded a C-130 Hercules for an orientation flight with members of the 169th Airlift Squadron. The aircraft is capable of operating from rough, dirt strips and is the prime transport for airdropping troops and equipment into hostile areas.

Air Force Junior ROTC is a citizenship training program that is designed to educate and train high school cadets in citizenship, promote community service, instill personal responsibility, character and self-discipline.