Bainbridge High School Air Force Junior ROTC took flight at the Decatur County Industrial Air Park Saturday morning.

The orientation flight was part of the activities the Air Force Junior ROTC had to celebrate the anniversary of the Air Force becoming a seperate branch of the military. The United States Department of the Air Force was created when President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act of 1947. This was enacted on September 18, 1947. The first secretary of the Air Force was Stuart Symington. 

Four of the five planes used for the orientation flight and pilots arrived from Tallahassee. John Sivyer, president of EAA 445 http://www.eaa445.org/ of Tallahassee and other members of the group are actively involved in the Young Eagles program. The program started in 1993 and the goal was to let 1 million kids, between the ages of 8 to 17, experience the thrill of flying. The goal was reached in 2003.

Col. Gary Breedlove, who teaches the elective class at Bainbridge High School, has 28 students in the course this year. The Air Force Junior ROTC students are studying the Science of Flight. By combining academics with citizenship skills these students learn valuable lessons in leadership.

Col. Breedlove presented plaques for the wonderful support that the program has received starting in 1993 when it was integrated into the school curriculum. Principle Tommy Howell of Bainbridge High School for his wonderful support, VFW Post 4904, Post Searchlight Sports Editor Joe Crine and Mr. and Mrs. Merdock were all presented placques of appreciation.