Kusilvak Career Academy students tour Air National Guard facilities

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska — About 26 students from the Kusilvak Career Academy were able to tour Alaska Air National Guard facilities Thursday, April 5.

According to a recent press release, this tour gave students an opportunity to learn about the components of daily military life and the various benefits a career in the military has to offer.

The students received hands-on experience with three different Air National Guard aircrafts: the C-17 Globemaster III, the HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter, and the HC-130J Combat King II.

They were guided through each aircraft with Alaska Air National Guard aviation maintenance and search and rescue personnel from the 176th Wing who answered questions ranging from their deployment experience to the cost of each aircraft.

“It’s exciting to be able to share our experiences with young people and let them know how profound an impact military service has been for us,” Maj. Stephanie Wilson, a pilot with the ANG’s 210th Rescue Squadron who guided the tour of the Pave Hawk stated in the press release. “Our rescue efforts put us out in our communities often, and it’s important for these young people to see how they can practically make a difference if they choose to serve.”

According to the press release, the Kusilvak Academy has toured National Guard facilities twice a year since its inception in 2019, and the Academy staff typically brings 25 to 45 students each trip to showcase the military as a career path.

“Base is always one of the student’s favorite places to tour,” Kusilvak Academy staff member and tour chaperone Samantha Carlon stated in the press release. “It’s a lot more engaging for them to be able to come and see the military lifestyle up close than to get a verbal brief by a recruiter. Every time we attend, they ask us when we’re coming back.”

The press release indicated that the Kusilvak Academy represents the Lower Yukon School District north of Bethel, and it's unique from other Alaskan boarding schools since it's the only one that allows students to attend one academic quarter at a time.

Alaska Native culture has a rich history of caring for their land and fostering a subsistence way of life in many rural areas across the state.

According to the press release, the Kusilvak Academy’s one quarter requirement offers students the opportunity to choose the optimal season to attend the academy without interfering with their responsibilities at home; and the National’s Guard’s part-time service requirements also pairs well with this type of lifestyle.

High school senior and native of the village of Kotlik Jacob Okitkun stated that he is eager to join the Air Guard after high school to pursue his dream of becoming an electrician and plumber while having the chance to travel to new and exciting places.

“This has really shown me what’s out there and what’s possible,” Okitkun stated in the press release. “It’s an awesome way to network and make lots of connections with kids from my area.”

The press release indicated that Kusilvak Academy chaperones like Carlon expressed how important it is to provide students with structure and an environment of accountability so they can flourish.

“Garnering a sense of community is very important for a lot of these young people,” Carlon stated in the press release. “It’s important for them to have a sense of identity in the team that they’re part of, and the students we’ve seen join the service later in life are very proud of their respective branch.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com