Politics & Government

Dobbins Instructs Teachers in Three-Week Workshop

Recent workshop brought teachers from across eastern Tennessee to learn about aerospace technologies at the base and at Lockheed Martin.

By Brad Fallin
94th Airlift Wing Public Affairs

Kindergarten thru 12th grade educators from eastern Tennessee visited Dobbins June 17, 2011 as part of a three week workshop designed to familiarize them with aerospace technologies.

The workshop, sponsored by Eastern Tennessee State University, provides insight into lessons and opportunities in these career fields so faculty members can better engage and inspire their students. The group's visit to Georgia included a stop at Lockheed Martin's production facilities and here to see the 94th Airlift Wing's C-130 operations. While here the participants met Col. Tim Tarchick, commander of the 94th AW, and learned about the mission of the wing and the impact it has on the community.

After meeting with Colonel Tarchick, the educators moved down to the maintenance hangar for an up-close look at a C-130 Hercules aircraft. Maj. Lance Avery, 700th Airlift Squadron pilot, discussed the aircraft's capabilities and followed with a guided tour of the cockpit, providing answers to any questions they had about the aircraft.

After getting the nuts and bolts view of a Hercules it was time for some fun in the C-130 simulator. Lockheed Martin representative Carlos Sagraves, set up the sim for a mission out of and around the Dobbins airspace. He and Major Avery offered pointers and tips to ensure a realistic but "safe" flight for each participant.

Since 1975, over 1,250 teachers have benefited from the aviation workshops at ETSU. The sponsor of the program, which includes three other schools across the state, is the Tennessee Office of Aeronautics. Participants receive scholarships from a state grant which enables the hands-on approach and is key to the success of the workshops.

"It's a great opportunity for them to get their hands on aviation," said Mr. Gerald Marr. As a retired Air Force and Air Force Reserve pilot with over 3,000 hours in a wide range of aircraft, Mr. Marr understands the impact aviation can have on a young person's life. "I started in 1953 in the T-6 trainer and then flew the T-28, and T-33, then transitioned to the B-29," said Mr. Marr.

From the B-29 Superfortress he went on to fly the RC-121 Warning Star, C-119 Flying Boxcar, and the C-130 Hercules and through the workshops, can pass along his knowledge and enthusiasm for aviation.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here