The University of Providence had an opportunity to participate in the Mission Over Malmstrom event at Malmstrom Air Force Base July 12-14. The Open House – the first of it’s kind in over a decade – featured aerial and static displays, exhibits and demonstrations. The most notable demonstrations included the F-22 Raptor demo team, the Army Golden Knights parachuting team and the B-2 Stealth Bomber flybys, along with the MiG Fury Fighter demo team.
The event was open to the public, and UP hosted a STEM table inside the hangar, as well as a recruitment table out on the flight line. The STEM table featured wildlife biology and chemistry. Dr. Newbury had moose antlers on display along with radio collars and recordings of animal calls. Dr. Carpenter represented chemistry club and was on hand to make slime with anyone who wanted to take some home! A huge thank you to Dr. Tony Aretz, Dr. Katrina Stark, Alex and Lyndon Marshall, Mitch Hartly and Dr. Deb Kotell who were a tremendous help at the STEM booth.
Out on the flight line, staff and faculty representatives met with both military personnel and the public about our program offerings. The event provided an opportunity for community outreach and visibility to Great Falls and the surrounding area.
Ed Lucas, Assistant Professor of Legal and Paralegal Studies, played a critical role in the participation of UP in the Mission Over Malmstrom event as well as lining up volunteers and coordinating the details with event managers. We hope this is one of many opportunities we will have to strengthen our relationship with Malmstrom AFB and provide educational pathways for our Armed Forces.