JROTC cadets experience Air Force Reserve careers at 403rd Wing event Published March 27, 2025 By Jessica L. Kendziorek 403rd Wing KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps cadets from local high schools got a firsthand look at Air Force Reserve career opportunities during a job fair-style event hosted by the 403rd Wing March 26. The event, designed to introduce cadets to a variety of Air Force specialties, featured interactive booths staffed by Airmen from different career fields. “This event is a great way to inspire the next generation of Airmen,” said Senior Master Sgt. Christopher Resio, 403rd Wing Recruiting flight chief. “Giving cadets hands-on experience and direct interaction with the Airmen who do the job helps them understand that there are many different career fields available in the Air Force Reserve.” Junior ROTC Day Tech. Sgt. Devante Turner, 403rd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, demonstrates to Bay High School Junior ROTC Cadet Edelle Griffith how to don a parachute during the 403rd Wing Junior ROTC day career fair March 26, 2025 at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The 403rd Wing is the only Air Force Reserve unit in Mississippi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo) Photo Details / Download Hi-Res SLIDESHOW | 3 images | Junior ROTC Day Junior ROTC Day Tech. Sgt. Devante Turner, 403rd Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment technician, demonstrates to Bay High School Junior ROTC Cadet Edelle Griffith how to don a parachute during the 403rd Wing Junior ROTC day career fair March 26, 2025 at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The 403rd Wing is the only Air Force Reserve unit in Mississippi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo) 1 of 3 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Junior ROTC Day Tech. Sgt. Julius Garrett, 803rd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron avionics technician, shows Bay High School Junior ROTC Cadet Valerie Robair the TS 45-30A tester for testing of identification for friend or foe systems during the 403rd Wing Junior ROTC day career fair March 26, 2025 at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The 403rd Wing is the only Air Force Reserve unit in Mississippi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo) 2 of 3 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Junior ROTC Day Senior Airman Chloe Campbell, 36th Aeromedical Evacuation Squadron medical technician, straps a local Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet into a litter to demonstrate some of the duties medical technicians perform during AE missions. The 403rd Wing hosted about 40 cadets as part of a Junior ROTC day career fair March 26, 2025 at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. The 403rd Wing is the only Air Force Reserve unit in Mississippi. (U.S. Air Force photo by Lt. Col. Marnee A.C. Losurdo) 3 of 3 Photo Details / Download Hi-Res Cadets engaged with members of the 403rd Wing, learning about aviation careers, maintenance, medical, air and ground transportation, security forces, support roles, and an introduction to an 81st Security Forces Squadron working dog. They also participated in an orientation flight aboard a C-130J Super Hercules, flown by the 815th Airlift Squadron, which provided many of the cadets their first time experience of stepping inside a military aircraft. The flight provided a rare opportunity for the students to witness military airlift operations and aeromedical evacuation training up close. “This was an interesting experience, I tried on everything that was available,” said Biloxi High School JROTC Cadet Anthony Roberts-Sigmon. “I enjoyed getting to see and talk to everyone, mainly talking to everyone in the maintenance and medical field. They were very knowledgeable and gave me lots of information about the different jobs out there.” Bay High School JROTC aerospace science instructor retired Senior Master Sgt. Jim Davidson, emphasized the importance of participating in these events. “Opportunities like this allow the cadets a chance to see different Air Force career fields, and the displays allow them try out and to get a feel for the equipment.” The 403rd Wing, an Air Force Reserve unit at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi, plans to continue these outreach efforts to encourage future service members and strengthen connections with local communities. For more information about this program, contact the 403rd Wing Public Affairs Office at 228-377-2056 or make a request online at https://safpa.appianportals.com/request