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Taking Empowerment to New Heights
“Being on an active military base as a civilian is hard to do, so there was no question that my Girl Scout troop were going to attend this rare opportunity,” said troop leader, Becky Benjamin. “This was a win-win for so many reasons—Girl Scouts were exposed to new skills in a novel setting, got behind-the-scenes access to the inner workings of a military base that may spark future interests, created special bonds with their Girl Scout sisters, and saw strong female leaders in the military. Count us in!”
In mid-April, more than 100 local Girl Scout Juniors through Ambassadors had an exclusive experience on base at the 128th Air Refueling Wing. Girl Scouts had the chance to tour a KC135R aircraft, discover where the boom passes fuel to other jets, see equipment used on missions, and explore aspects of cybersecurity. Girl Scouts ended the day with once-in-a-lifetime memories, Cybersecurity Basics and First Aid badges, a special 128th Air Refueling patch, practical skills in how to keep information safe online and how to administer assistance to others in crisis, and connections with more than 30 members of the military in various roles on base.
“This event included a ton of exciting activities, and the day was full of new experiences for me,” reflected Girl Scout Cadette Noelle. “We got to see an opening flag ceremony on base. We saw equipment used in a life raft in case of an emergency. Crew members of the 128th explained all the different parts of the plane including the radar and communication equipment. We got to sit in the cockpit and speak to two female pilots, and we got to actually lay in the boom operator area! We practiced how to create super secure passwords for online safety. We practiced CPR, worked on safely wrapping wounds and creating a sling, and learned how to properly administer an EpiPen. I think I want to be a doctor, so it was great to learn and practice so many first aid skills.”
“We were excited to help ignite the passion for learning different skills, broaden perspectives, and help grow the younger generation. We wanted to create a connection between Girl Scouts and members of the military. We hoped this event could put a face to the military and offer the human factor—where Girl Scouts could engage with people who are doing this important work and understand how we are part of the broader community,” stated Chief Ali Saffarini. Chief Saffarini has been in the Air Force for 22 years and has been serving on the 128th base for the past 18 years.
“What resonated with me were the feelings of empowerment and the alignment of values between the military and Girl Scouting. It was powerful seeing the girls interacting with the female aviators and witnessing firsthand that women can do great things, break society norms, and achieve extraordinary success. I was also struck with the parallels in values—in both Girl Scouting and in the U.S. Military, we value contributing to a greater cause, trying our best at everything we do, and serving ourselves and each other with integrity. This event was rewarding to me and the other members of the military who volunteered to share their experiences with this group of young leaders,” said Chief Saffarani.
“My favorite community outreach is this weekend. It is a joy to witness Girl Scouts introduced to the base for the first time,” shared General Zuccaro, who has been present at every Air Refueling Wing event with GSWISE. “Girl Scouts is an important youth organization that teaches many of the same core values as the Air Force. I enjoy revealing that you can have a civilian career and a military career at the same time.”
“At the 128th Air Refueling Wing event, it was impressive to see so many female leaders in important roles. Talk about female empowerment,” said troop leader Becky, a Girl Scout alum who has led her daughter’s troop for the past six years. “I love Girl Scout events because it allows me to bond with my daughter and the troop in new ways, and I learn right alongside them! It is important to have our troop experience activities that offer role models to the girls.”
For Girl Scout Noelle and her troop leader mom Becky, the 128th Air Refueling Wing event wasn’t just special because of the unparalleled access to a military base. This event held more significance, as Becky’s father retired from the 128th as a chief master sergeant after serving there for 30 years.
“Growing up, I had been on that base before, but Noelle never had. That base is so near and dear to my family and holds so many memories, so I wanted my daughter to see where her grandpa worked and share that connection with her,” shared Becky. “It was such a meaningful experience for us on so many levels!”
Through unique partnerships, Girl Scouts are creating lifetime memories, gaining practical skills, connecting with role models, and exploring future career paths.
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