Airmen share experiences with students

Capt. Nathan Scott of the 73rd Special Operation Squadron said one of the scariest operations he’s experienced was flying over Afghanistan as insurgent forces shot at his plane.

He said flying the bodies of fallen soldiers was one of the most sobering experiences of his career.

“It means a whole lot more to me,” he said.

Scott and four other Cannon Air Force Base airmen spoke to Clovis High School social studies classes about their experiences while serving in the military as part of the social studies department’s Veterans Day Program.

About 50 social studies classes filed into the school’s lecture hall throughout the day, according to school officials.

Social studies Department Chairwoman Sherri Stephenson said the program’s purpose is to get students to interact with military personnel.

“So they can make a connection with a veteran,” said Stephenson, who is also a veteran.

Airmen talked about their duties and the reasons they joined the military service. Scott said he followed his father’s suggestion and joined the Air Force ROTC in college.

Cannon personnel also spoke about the benefits they receive as members of the military, which includes free health care, housing and college tuition when they leave the service.

Stephenson said last year the school invited World War II veterans to speak to students.