184 IW hosts school counselors Published March 12, 2010 By Capt Nancy Harper 184 FSS McConnell AFB, KS February 12, 2010 -- The 184th Intelligence Wing hosted approximately 100 counselors from local area elementary, middle and high schools on Friday, February 12, 2010. Major Jesse Sojka, flight commander for the 161st Intelligence Squadron, and unit volunteers welcomed counselors from the Unified School District #259 and gave mission briefings at the Roost. Major Steven Shook from the 184th Force Support Squadron and TSgt Justin Moody from the Chaplain's office gave testimonials and shared their satisfaction of serving the local community and country as a Guardsmen and how both their civilian and military jobs complement each other. Both are traditional guardsman are employed by the Wichita Public School district as education administrators. Counselors later toured various 184 IW units and facilities. The 184th Security Forces Squadron hosted one group that concluded with a "hands on" demonstration of the Fire Arm Training Simulator (FATS), a weapons program that allows the user to practice marksmanship without the use of real arms or live ammunition. Colonel Joseph Jabara, commander of the 184th Mission Support Squadron, escorted the first group of visitors to the SFS offices. A second group chose to visit the NOSS, getting an opportunity to see the expansive operations floor. Another group took a tour of the 134th Air Control Squadron facilities. They were able to see specialized equipment and visit with some of the squadron's personnel. The final group, primarily elementary school counselors, viewed the wing's Starbase program facilities and spoke with team coordinators to help recruit school children into the program. Starbase was a rather fascinating program for many of the counselors, as the state-funded program offers Kansas elementary students academic activities to improve their mathematics, science, and technical knowledge. Major Sojka noted how important the event was to the wing's mission. "The intent of the event will be to educate these counselors about the Kansas Air National Guard, specifically the 184th. Ultimately, if they know people who are considering joining the military, we'd like the Kansas Air National Guard to be the first organization they reference." Major Shook was also impressed by the counselors' interests in the wing. "An important part of the process is intentionally clarifying the Unit's role in the community and country while highlighting the opportunities becoming a Guard member offers individuals, both from a benefits perspective as well as heartfelt personal satisfaction."