[Scan-DC] Andrews JSOH

[Alan Henney]

Anybody going this weekend?  Would appreciate some cockpit shots from the Coast Guard aircraft!


THE VIRTUAL ARMY EXPERIENCE RETURNS TO ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE

Interactive Mission Simulator Offers Participants a Virtual Test Drive of the U.S. Army 

WHAT:                  
Attendees at the Joint Services Open House and Air Show will have the opportunity to lace up their boots and take part in a virtual mission as Soldiers in the United States Army at the Virtual Army Experience. The high-tech, team-based mission challenges participants 13-years and older to employ teamwork, rules of engagement, leadership and state-of-the-art military technology to successfully complete their mission. The experience, where participants can also play the America's Army PC game against Real Soldiers, is open to air show attendees from May 14-16.
 
THE MISSION EXPERIENCE:
The Virtual Army Experience provides participants with clear insight into today's high-tech Army and immerses them in the operational roles of Soldiers. During the 25-minute experience, participants receive a comprehensive mission briefing to prepare them for entering the virtual mission simulator. Participants then mount up on life-sized HMMWV simulators, modeled on the actual vehicles employed by Army Special Forces. Other participants load a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter, where they employ light arms and provide air coverage support against enemy forces rendered by the America's Army game. Upon mission completion, participants receive a debriefing on their performance from VAE Subject Matter Experts. 
 
MEET THE SOLDIERS:
Visitors will have the chance to meet a heroic Soldier featured in the America's Army Real Heroes program. The America's Army Real Heroes program tells the stories of Soldiers who have earned citations for bravery and valor.  America's Army Real Hero, Staff Sergeant Matthew Zedwick, who received a Silver Star for demonstrating gallantry, heroism, and bravery during an ambush in Iraq, will be onsite and available for media interviews.
 
In 2010, the Virtual Army Experience is accompanied by Basic Training Drill Sergeants, who give participants waiting in line a "hands on" feel for Basic Training. Drill Sergeants conduct team-building events designed to motivate participants and enhance self-esteem. More importantly, they stress the benefits of education and discuss the importance of setting and reaching goals.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES:
The media is invited to follow participants through the Virtual Army Experience from May 14-16.  Onsite interviews are available with America's Army Real Heroes, Army Drill Sergeants, Subject Matter Experts and participants during air show hours.

WHEN:                           
Friday, May 14, 2010 - 8 AM - 5 PM 
Saturday, May 15, 2010 - 8 AM - 5 PM 
Sunday, May 16, 2010 - 8 AM - 5 PM

WHERE:                                    
Andrews Air Force Base 
Next to Hangar #2

CONTACT:                  
George Munro

More information about the Virtual Army Experience can be found at http://vae.americasarmy.com/. 


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