Shaw Heights students receive an explosion of knowledge

Published Feb. 18, 2014
By Airman 1st Class Michael A. Cossaboom
20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- Two explosive ordnance disposal technicians from the 20th Civil Engineer Squadron here put on a demonstration at Shaw Heights Elementary School Feb. 10, 2014.

1st Lt. Nathan Demers, 20th CES EOD flight commander, and Senior Airman Christopher Brown, 20th CES EOD technician, brought along some of their equipment that they used to show the kids not only the lengths they go through to do their job, but the science and engineering that is put into it as well.

"We go out to schools all the time and put on demonstrations," said Brown. "It's fun to go out and show off our bomb suits and Segway's to the kids."

As the children became enthused with the excitement of the EOD demonstration, they began to ask questions and really interact with the Airmen.

"The kids really got a thrill out of seeing the robot and gear they used," said Katresa Charles, Shaw Heights School counselor. "It was nice to see them really using their imagination and coming up with good questions for the EOD techs."

Having people like the EOD techs come out and talk to the kids can inspire them to work harder in school and strive to become the best scientists and engineers they can be, said Charles.

"These kids come together after school as part of the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics program," said Charles. "The program is designed to teach kids more about those subjects along with showing them learning can even be fun."

Master Sgt. John Bettencourt, 20th Component Maintenance Squadron production supervisor, was in charge of setting up the demonstration for the school.

"These kids are our future scientists and engineers," said Bettencourt. "We already are a highly advanced nation, but we always need bright young minds to help make us even better."