Order of the Arrow experiences YARS Published May 21, 2015 By Chief Master Sgt. David Prokop 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs YOUNGSTOWN AIR RESERVE STATION, Ohio -- The 910th Airlift Wing hosted a weekend-long gathering for a local Boy Scouts of America Order of the Arrow chapter, May 15-17, 2015, allowing more than 250 Scouts to experience the military lifestyle. During the gathering, formally called a conclave, the 910th Security Forces Squadron (SFS) conducted a force-on-force military exercise. SFS fire team members cleared a building of simulated terrorists, deploying smoke canisters and ground burst simulators and firing blank rounds from M4s and an M60. The 910th Civil Engineer Fire Department demonstrated their capabilities by fighting a fire on a gas-fueled mock training aircraft. Several base shops set up static displays to educate the Scouts on various military careers. Members of the 910th Maintenance Squadron walked the Scouts through their unique Modular Aerial Spray System (MASS). The 910th operates the Department of Defense’s only aerial spray mission for herbicide, pesticide, vector-borne insect control and oil dispersal over large bodies of water. Force Support Squadron personnel set up a field kitchen, maintainers displayed their aircraft engine cut-away and several of the Scouts toured a C-130H Hercules aircraft. Colonel James Dignan, 910th Airlift Wing commander, addressed the Scouts during lunch, detailing some of his personal leadership experiences. There were many other military displays including Army, Marine and Navy representatives showcasing their equipment for the Scouts. Military recruiters in attendance mentioned the value of providing these experiences for their key demographic of 14 to 20-year-olds. Recruiters also mentioned the value of reaching a group such as Boy Scouts of America that shares the same passion for teamwork, excitement, accomplishment and technology expressed by the U.S. Armed Forces. “I was able to speak with many of the 250 Arrowmen and their adult chaperones this weekend, and without pause, I was told this was the best Conclave they had attended,” said Maj. Dustin Pawlak, 910th Force Support Squadron commander. “Community Partnership Projects are never easy, but the rewards at the conclusion are nearly always worth it,” he said. According to their website, the Order of the Arrow was founded in 1915 and in 1948. It became an official part of the Boy Scouts of America. In 1998, the Order of the Arrow became recognized as Scouting’s National Honor Society when it expanded its reach beyond camping to include a greater focus on leadership development membership extension, adventurous programming, and broader service to Scouting and the community. The Order of the Arrow recognizes Scouts and Scouters who best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives.