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185th host’s career day

By 185th PA, 185th PA / Published October 07, 2014

Tech. Sgt. Matt Wulf from the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), talks with Siera Fergen, from North High School about the function of the boom pod of a KC-135 Stratotanker Air Refueling Aircraft. Local Siouxland High School students toured the 185th ARW Base, Sioux City, IA, on September 25, 2014, and explored different career options offered at the 185th ARW, Iowa Air National Guard. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. Oscar Sanchez
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Tech. Sgt. Matt Wulf from the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW), talks with Siera Fergen, from North High School about the function of the boom pod of a KC-135 Stratotanker Air Refueling Aircraft. Local Siouxland High School students toured the 185th ARW Base, Sioux City, IA, on September 25, 2014, and explored different career options offered at the 185th ARW, Iowa Air National Guard. Air National Guard Photo by Tech. Sgt. Oscar Sanchez

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Sioux City, IA -- Sioux City area high school Juniors and Seniors were invited to visit the 185th Air Refueling Wing (ARW) in Sioux City, Iowa as part of a "Career Day" hosted by the National Guard wing here, on September 25, 2014.

Students from Bishop Heelan, Sioux City North, East and West along with Sergeant Bluff and Odebolt-Arthur Battle Creek Ida Grove High Schools were invited to tour the National Guard facility in order to get a firsthand look at what goes on at the Air Guard base.

According to organizers, students who attended the event had a chance to look inside a KC-135 refueling aircraft flown by the Guard unit based here. The students also had a chance to explore other areas during their tour.

The main mission of the Air Refueling Wing is flying and maintaining the KC-135 mid-air refueling aircraft. According to Captain Zac Johannsen, 185th Force Support Squadron Commander, the students learned that the largest portion of unit members work in various support areas such as base security, supply, and civil engineering to name a few. Captain Johannsen says this kind of event is a great way to showcase the unit.

"We are always hiring" said Johannsen "we have lots of good jobs, a great work environment, and because most of the jobs are part time, once a student has completed their initial training they can go back to college or trade school full time."

According to Johannsen benefits can vary but joining the Guard has always been a good deal.  He said Iowa is one of the few states who offer 100% tuition assistance as well as other education assistance and bonus programs.

Johannsen said his team designed the activities of the day in a way to show students and school officials some of the opportunities available in the guard and explain some of the many benefits available to unit members.