Inspiring the next generation

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. James Branch
  • 94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOBBINS ARB, Ga. --  The morning was cloudy and hazy, but the sun soon set March 26 on a unique opportunity for two instructor pilots from the 14th Flying Training Wing, Columbus Air Force Base, Mississippi.

Capts. Dwayne L. Booker II and Brandon Jones were greeted by their parents upon landing at Dobbins Air Reserve Base, Georgia, that morning, and later attended the first-ever Morehouse College Joint-Service Military Crown Forum at the college's Martin Luther King. Jr. International Chapel.

Four of the nation's highest ranking military officers -- U.S. Marine Corps Lt. Gen. Vincent R. Stewart, Defense Intelligence Agency director; Navy Rear Admiral Sinclair M. Harris, Joint Chiefs of Staff vice director for operations; Maj. Gen. Leslie C. Smith, Army Maneuver Support of Excellence commanding general; and Maj. Gen. Stayce D. Harris, 22nd Air Force commander -- discussed their lives and careers to students and guests.

Booker, a graduate of Morehouse College, said he consistently promotes the military and tries to increase awareness of its many opportunities to minority students.

"By attending this forum, my hope is to show young cadets that I was once in their shoes," he said. "It's my way of giving back and not forgetting where I came from."

The forum, a student-led event, was derived from the vision of the Morehouse ROTC Joint-Services Committee and Crown Forum committee members.

Dr. John Silvanus Wilson, Jr., president of Morehouse College, led the forum, with topics ranging from the U.S. military's role in dealing with international affairs, to how the leaders' character, integrity, leadership and community service helped them advance to the highest levels of their professions.

"To my knowledge, this is the first-ever joint service military forum of this stature to be held at a historically black college or university," Wilson said. "It is fitting that it be held at Morehouse College. These are extraordinary accomplished people"

Jones, an Air Force Academy graduate, stated that he could not pass up the opportunity to interact with general officers who have succeeded in their respective services.

"I believe part of being a military officer is to inspire the next generation to serve their country," he said. "By attending outreach events such as this, and being a role model that students can look up to, I can be the catalyst that propels them to pursue the opportunity of becoming an Air Force pilot."

Atlanta natives, Booker and Jones' love for flying started at a young age.

"Ever since I was a young boy, I've had a passion for aviation," Booker said. "I didn't consider it as a career until meeting a minority captain, who ultimately convinced me I could do it."

"Being a pilot has been a culmination of a lifelong dream," Jones said. "I really would like to get into space. Whether that happens or not, I've had the opportunity to fly a USAF U-2 aircraft at 70,000 feet in a pressurized suit."

Immediately after the Crown Forum, both pilots also visited Air Force ROTC Detachment 165 at the Georgia Institute of Technology.