Homestead members participate in Truck Day

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jaimi L. Upthegrove
  • 482nd Fighter Wing Public Affairs
HOMESTEAD AIR RESERVE BASE, Fla. --  Members of Homestead Air Reserve Base represented their respective career fields during Air Base K-8 Center's Truck Day at the school in Homestead, Fla., on Jan. 31.

Truck Day is a way for the school to teach children about different careers available to them when they leave school so they can start thinking about what they want to do when they grow up.

Different businesses in the community, including several from Homestead ARB, brought iconic vehicles to the school in addition to representatives to talk to the children about their job.

"The whole intent behind Truck Day is to get the little ones familiar with different careers available in the community," said Marissa Rocafort, school counselor for the Air Base K-8 Center. "Many times the older students will hear a speaker talk about their job and start thinking, I would like to do that, and then go home, start researching and creating an education plan."

From the Customs and Border Patrol with their helicopter to the 482nd Fighter Wing Security Forces Squadron members with their patrol car, the children had fun exploring the vehicles and interacting with each professional.

The children aren't the only ones who benefit from this type of event.

"The kids' favorite part, in our car at least, was definitely honking the horn, turning on the sirens, and talking over the radio, it was exciting to be a part of," said Tech. Sgt. Moises Ostolaza, 482nd SFS response force team member. "I get a sense of self-satisfaction coming here and enjoying my day off with the kids and giving them a better understanding of the U.S. military and to show them that we're here to protect freedoms and liberties and make a positive impact on peoples' lives."

Ostolaza said community outreach events like these are important to give people positive exposure to the military and its members.