The Des Moines School Board is voicing their support for the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard, the target of Department of Defense budget cuts. The DMPS Aviation Engineering Technology program – one of only 3 FAA-certified high school programs in the nation – works closely with the Iowa Air National Guard. The aviation program, which was created in 1943, has had internships with the 132nd Fighter Wing for the past 13 years, enabling students to work alongside some of the best people in aviation and on some of the most sophisticated equipment in the world. The School Board has sent the following letter to Iowa’s congressional delegation to let them know that, of the many services provided by the Iowa Air National Guard, one of them is supporting one of the most unique educational opportunities in the nation:

A surplus U.S. Air Force Learjet is one of several aircraft that provide aviation technology students with a 'hands on' learning experience.

As Congress and the Department of Defense debates the future role of the 132nd Fighter Wing of the Iowa Air National Guard, we are writing to make sure that the valuable contribution this organization makes to our community – including education – is not overlooked.

One of our colleagues on the Des Moines School Board, Dick Murphy, was a member of this unit in the 1960s, at a time when they earned the prestigious Air Force Outstanding Unit award. The 132nd Fighter Wing has gone on to earn this honor several times over the years, a testament to the quality of people who serve in this unit.

That quality is demonstrated not only by their dedication to country, but also their dedication to community, including supporting the education of our students.

Since 1943, Des Moines Public Schools has been home to the Aviation Engineering Technologies program, the second oldest program of its kind in the nation and one of only three high school programs with FAA certification. In fact, our program in Des Moines is the only such program among the 4,000 school districts in the Midwest.

Over the past 13 years, aviation technology students in Des Moines have had the unique opportunity to do internships with the Iowa Air National Guard, working side-by-side with members of the 132nd Fighter Wing. These students have learned from the very best people in aviation and have worked on some of the most sophisticated equipment in the world. As our nation focuses on the importance of science, technology, engineering and mathematics education, this partnership between Des Moines Public Schools and the Air National Guard is a leader in that effort.

As a result of this partnership with the Air National Guard, our students and the program have earned accolades from a variety of sources, from airport managers to the White House. And our graduates have gone on to serve in every branch of the military as well as becoming leaders in the aviation industry.

We don’t pretend to be military strategists, but we do believe that discussions regarding the future of the 132nd Fighter Wing must include the many contributions made to both country and community. In our case, the Iowa Air National Guard has been a valuable partner in providing our students with one of the most unique and rewarding educational opportunities in the nation.

Sincerely,

Des Moines School Board

Teree Caldwell Johnson, Chair
Dick Murphy, Vice Chair
Connie Boesen
Cindy Elsbernd
Bill Howard
Joe Jongewaard
Pat Sweeney