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Texas State University ROTC fly C-5M Super Galaxy

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lauren M. Snyder
  • 433rd Airlift Wing

Members of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Detachment 840 with Texas State University visited the 433rd Airlift Wing and sampled the military with an incentive flight on the C-5M Super Galaxy aircraft here, March 7.

The 36 cadets had a short flight, toured the aircraft, and also visited the 733rd Training Squadron C-5 schoolhouse where they saw virtual reality pilot training and practiced take-off and landing in the C-5 simulator.

“The tour today was amazing,” said Caitlin Fleming, ROTC Det. 840 cadet and 433rd Security Forces Squadron member. “This showed great scope of what the reserves have to offer, which is great for these cadets to see our mission here and how we support active duty as well as just general military life—how things may not go as planned but things still get done no matter what.”

The cadets had an immersive event with their mission brief, local flight, and training experience.

“I've never been to anything like this,” said Taylor Andrews, Det. 840 cadet. “I thought we were going to get lectured on what happens and different types of planes and just hear stories from pilot instructors, but this was truly an amazing experience. The staff treated us very well and didn't hesitate to share their knowledge with us. The simulations at the schoolhouse were fantastic and I would recommend it to anybody interested in being a pilot or doing remotely piloted aircraft. The fact that they let us be more hands-on and entrust us with all that equipment was amazing.”

The incentive flight and schoolhouse tour showcased the Alamo Wing mission, military might and innovation.

“It definitely changed my mind about my future,” Andrews said. “Ideally, I want to help people. I want to inspire the next generation, and I want to do all that I can to serve this country and my community.”