50 IS supports local career exploration night event

Lt. Col. Jason Markiewitz, acting commander of the 50th Intelligence Squadron, and two Airmen from the 9th Intelligence Squadron brought their technical and military expertise to the Bridge Street School Career Exploration Night event in Yuba City, California, February 20, 2018. This was the inaugural event for the school and it was attended by 51 students who had interest in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career fields.(Courtesy photo)

50 IS supports local career exploration night event

A quadcopter drone, operated by members of the 9th Intelligence Squadron, hovers above students and onlookers at the Bridge Street School Career Exploration Night event in Yuba City, California, on February 20, 2018. This was the inaugural event for the school and it was attended by 51 students who had interest in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career fields. (Courtesy photo)

50 IS supports local career exploration night event

Published March 1, 2018
655 ISRG Public Affairs

BEALE AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. -- Airmen from the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group brought their technical and military expertise to the Bridge Street School Career Exploration Night event in Yuba City, California, February 20, 2018.

Lt. Col. Jason Markiewitz, 50th Intelligence Squadron acting commander, and two Airmen from the 9th Intelligence Squadron spoke at the school's inaugural event, attended by 51 students who had interest in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) career fields.

Mary Pickering, event organizer and licensed clinical social worker of the Yuba County Unified School District, said the event was held to appeal to K-5 students and show the importance of reading and math.

“These young students relate better to visual demonstrations than to verbal information,” she said.

While the discussions on Air Force careers were well-received, the 9 IS quadcopter drone stole the show as it hovered some 15 feet above the gymnasium floor amid interested onlookers. Flying by GPS, the drone took off by remote control operated with a cell phone app, was directed in flight by one Airman and then retrieved by another.

“Students and parents alike were inquisitive about the drone's operations and the application the military has for such equipment,” he said. “It was rewarding to see the eyes of tomorrow's tech generation light up as the quadcopter buzzed overhead.”

The event was a resounding success and plans are in the works for follow-on events throughout 2018 at other schools in the Yuba City area.

The 655 Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance Group is dedicated to serving as the premier and most diverse ISR Group in the United States Air Force, delivering timely, reliable, accurate and actionable intelligence products enabling a decision advantage over adversaries of the United States. The 655th consists of a headquarters and three tenant squadrons in Ohio, and 11 geographically separated units in California, Texas, Nebraska, Virginia, Florida and Maryland. For exciting and rewarding career opportunities with the 655 ISRG, please contact your local Air Force Reserve recruiter or call 937-257-8117.