Retired Air Force Colonel Ron Moore visited the Boys & Girls Club of Drew County on September 21, 2006.  Colonel Moore served in the United States Air Force from 1967 to 1997.  During his 28 years of active duty, Colonel Moore served as commander of the 11^th Fighter Wing in Bosnia, F-4 Phantom Weapons System Officer & Aircraft Commander, F-16A Instructor Pilot in Hahn, Germany, C-130 Aircraft Commander for worldwide airlift missions and was elected the most experienced F-16 Mishap Investigator in the USAF.  Colonel Moore was awarded the outstanding officer award, outstanding aircraft commander, and the 1991 pilot of the year.

Colonel Moore told the youth about his years in service, his military experiences and the classes he attended each time he learned to fly a different plane.  Colonel Moore stressed the importance of education to the youth.  After his presentation the youth were allowed to try on Colonel Moore’s helmet, which they enjoyed very immensely.

Colonel Moore came to the Boys & Girls Club as a representative from the Joe Foss Institute through their “Veterans Inspiring Patriotism” program.  The Joe Foss institute sends veterans to schools and other organizations to inform today’s youth on how we got our freedom, the price we must pay for it, and the responsibility we share to keep it.   The Joe Foss Institutes hope is that the student’s participation in these programs will ensure future generations appreciation of America’s freedoms and have a renewed sense of patriotism.  Through this program, students have an opportunity to meet those who have risked their lives in defense of the freedoms we all enjoy. 

For more information about the Joe Foss Institute you may call 480-348-0316 or visit their website at http://www.jfiweb.org/foss/.