Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base, N. Y. -- FRANCIS S. GABRESKI AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, WESTHAMPTON BEACH, N.Y. - Sixty children of New York Air National Guardsmen got a chance to learn about their parents' jobs and explore science, technology, engineering, and math at the 106th Rescue Wing’s annual Galaxy Camp, which took place from July 8 to 12.
Sixteen teenagers served as junior youth counselors for the 8 to 13-year-old campers who spent the week at F.S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach.
The annual summer event helps foster a sense of community for the 106th families, according to Col. Shawn P. Fitzgerald, the wing commander.
"Galaxy Camp is important because it brings all of our kids together, allowing them to meet each other and form connections," Fitzgerald said.
"In the Guard, we pride ourselves on being part of a family, and these outreach programs help us connect in ways beyond just work. Regardless of rank or where they live, the kids can make friends and build lasting relationships here on base,” Fitzgerald added.
During the week, the kids explored the base fire department vehicles and donned firefighter gear.
They also visited the headquarters of the wing’s pararescue squadron—whose Airmen drop behind enemy lines to make rescues--where they climbed ropes, tried on diving gear, wore body armor, inspected weapons, learned what it feels like to be hosted aboard a rescue helicopter, and got inside various vehicles.
Campers also got up-close looks inside the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft and the HH-60W Jolly Green II search and rescue helicopter.
Civil Air Patrol Squadron 9 members also taught the campers drill ceremony.
Throughout the week, campers participated in team-building exercises, all centered around this year's theme of safety, communication, and teamwork.
Bryan Beasley, owner of two Chick-fil-A restaurants, was a guest speaker and provided an interactive experience regarding branding, leadership, and team-building skills.
Lisa D’Agostino, the wing military and family readiness program manager, said the goal of this year’s camp, the wing’s 18th one, was to be innovative.
"This year’s camp focused heavily on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with campers building robotic snakes and racing them," D'Agostino said. "Brookhaven National Labs hosted an afternoon of science and math, and Cradle of Aviation’s Mission to Mars and rocketry activities had our group ready for take-off.”
Brooke Theisen, the 12-year-old daughter of Col. Neil Theisen, 106th Maintenance Group commander, said she enjoyed her third year of attending the camp.
"The electric snake kits were very cool, and so was the Brookhaven National Lab," Brooke said.
"The speaker was interesting when she told us about all the technologies that made things work. This year was even more interactive than last year,” she added.
Airman 1st Class Anthony Fonseca, now an HC-130J loadmaster, said he got his first look at the Air Guard attending the Galaxy Camp when he was a kid.
His mother, Master Sgt. Fabiany Mozdziak, a data operations specialist, has served in the 106th for two decades
"I started going to Galaxy Camp at 8 years old and went every year until I was 18," Fonseca recalled.
"I went from being a camper to being a junior counselor. It really opened the door for me joining the military. Touring the planes and seeing the incredible C-130s,” he said.
I knew I wanted to do something cool and different. After some research, I found out about being a loadmaster and knew that was what I wanted to do,” Fonseca added.
Fonesca’s experience highlights why this annual program is important Fitzgerald said.
"Raising a child within the 106th Rescue Wing family truly exemplifies the saying, 'It takes a village,'" Fitzgerald said.
"Witnessing a child grow up in our community and eventually join our ranks highlights the profound impact our community can have. It's a testament to the opportunities for growth and connection that we provide,” he said.
The 106th Rescue Wing, based at Francis S. Gabreski Air National Guard Base in Westhampton Beach, New York, operates and maintains the HC-130J Combat King II search and rescue aircraft, the HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopter, and the HH-60W Jolly Green II rescue helicopter. The 106th Rescue Wing is home to a special warfare squadron with pararescuemen and combat rescue officers, specializing in rescue and recovery, and deploys for domestic and overseas operations.