STARBASE Louisiana graduates St. Joseph students

Col. Jon Ellis, commander of the 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., poses with Dylan Tietje, a 5th grade student at St. Joseph Catholic School in Shreveport, La., May 3, 2012. Dylan received the “Shining Star Award” for his outstanding performance while attending STARBASE. Students completed an exciting 25-hour hands on/minds on aviation and aerospace course offered to area 5th graders and their teachers by STARBASE Louisiana, at Barksdale. The program is one of 60 national STARBASE sites, and is sponsored by the 307 BW of the Air Force Reserve Command. Many U.S. Air Force servicemembers volunteer to speak at the graduation ceremonies to help motivate the students to continue their education. This was Ellis’ first time as a guest speaker for a STARBASE graduation ceremony. Speakers are always welcomed and always needed. Any officer or senior noncommissioned officer interested in motivating these young people should contact the 307th Bomb Wing Public Affairs Office at 318-529-3023 to be put on the speaker’s list. (U.S. Air Force photo by Betty Stephens)