{"id":14249,"date":"2025-09-22T16:03:41","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T20:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/?p=14249"},"modified":"2025-09-23T10:11:11","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T14:11:11","slug":"blue-angels-visit-first-colonial-to-share-military-careers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vbcpsblogs.com\/core\/blue-angels-visit-first-colonial-to-share-military-careers\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue Angels visit First Colonial to share military careers"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"\"<\/a>
The Blue Angels accepted an invitation to speak to First Colonial High students. From left, Principal Dr. Daniel Miani, Capt. Jen Murr, health and physical education teacher Valerie Loschiavo, aviation electronics technician Jerry Fain, Operations Specialist Petty Officer 2nd Class Dominique Lathan, Cmdr. Tim Henderson.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

By Cindy Butler Focke<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
Blue Angels team members aviation electronics technician Jerry Fain and flight surgeon Capt. Jen Murr spoke to First Colonial High students Sept. 19 before the Oceana Air Show.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Blue Angels took to the First Colonial High School auditorium stage before taking off to perform at the Naval Air Station Oceana Air Show on Sept. 19.<\/p>\n

Health and physical education teacher Valerie Loschiavo invited them to speak to juniors, seniors and members of the school\u2019s Junior ROTC. Her invitation was accepted.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe see the Blue Angels in the sky practicing and performing every year while sitting in our yards and the First Colonial football field,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n

After being introduced, Jerry Fain and Capt. Jen Murr spoke about their roles with the Blue Angels.<\/p>\n

Fain, an aviation electronics technician, has served in the Navy for almost eight years.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe turn jets on and make sure systems are operating properly,\u201d he said. \u201cPursuit of perfection is a passion of ours.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
After speaking to students Sept. 19 at First Colonial High, Blue Angels’ team members took time to answer some questions one-on-one.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Murr\u2019s Navy career spans 23 years. As a flight surgeon, she ensures the medical readiness of pilots.<\/p>\n

They showed a video highlighting the group of active-duty sailors and Marines who perform aerobatics with the F\/A-18 Super Hornet and the C-130J Super Hercules aircraft.<\/p>\n

Since 1946, the Blue Angels has inspired a culture of excellence and service to country, the video explained. Each aerial performance was described as \u201ca carefully practiced ballet.\u201d<\/p>\n

The team of 140 men and women includes pilots, medical, public affairs, administration, logistics, supply and maintenance staff. Based in Pensacola, Florida, they travel to more than 30 locations and perform about 65 shows each year.<\/p>\n

\u201cWithout everyone, the show cannot go on,\u201d Murr said.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have become a family,\u201d Fain added.<\/p>\n

The special guests spoke about the importance of teamwork, collaboration and respect for others.<\/p>\n

Students asked a variety of questions and learned that military orders to serve with the Blue Angels vary but usually are for three years.<\/p>\n

One audience member wanted to know about the potential for any mishaps.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>
The Blue Angels presented First Colonial High School with a signed poster following their visit to the school Sept. 19.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Fain said that although flying at 700 mph and performing loops and rolls 1,500 feet in the air is dangerous, jet maintenance and practice allow little chance for error.<\/p>\n

When asked about their favorite plane formations, Murr described the \u201cdelta breakout.\u201d \u00a0That\u2019s when the jets fly in a tight delta formation toward the crowd and suddenly break apart in different directions.<\/p>\n

Fain\u2019s answer was \u201cthe rejoin,\u201d where the jets precisely return to formation after breaking off for a maneuver.<\/p>\n

Senior Jamison Rowan said she\u2019s always enjoyed watching the Blue Angels perform at the annual air show.<\/p>\n

\u201cI didn\u2019t realize how difficult it was and that they practice six days a week,\u201d she said. That takes commitment, she added.<\/p>\n

While the pilots\u2019 jobs are important, Jamison said she learned that others on the team have essential roles, too.<\/p>\n

First Colonial High principal Dr. Daniel Miani said the Blue Angels\u2019 presentation informed students about the many career opportunities available in the military.<\/p>\n

“The depth and scope of careers offered by the military is an untapped resource,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Miani hopes more students will consider the military as an option not just for a career, but as a “lifelong endeavor to serving our country.”<\/p>\n

“There are many pathways after high school that lead to becoming a successful adult in our community.”<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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