STARBASE Louisiana graduates St. Joseph students

Col. Jon Ellis, commander of the 307th Bomb Wing, Barksdale Air Force Base, La., congratulates a 5th grade student at St. Joseph Catholic School in Shreveport, La., May 3, 2012. Ellis was the guest speaker for a STARBASE graduation ceremony at the school. The students completed an exciting 25-hour hands on/minds on aviation and aerospace course offered to area 5th grade students 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 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)