Survivalist, Alaska native, teaches students life lessons

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Candice Agee-Reed
  • 943rd Rescue Group Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  An avid outdoorsman who grew up on the banks of majestic Alaska, and a dedicated member of the U.S. Air Force Reserve's 943rd Rescue Group here, trained in aircraft flight equipment and survival tactics, Senior Master Sergeant Jeffrey Ginther has picked up plenty of useful and interesting skills along the way.

Who better to share his survival know-how with, than a group of 7th graders at a local middle school?

On October 19th, Sergeant Ginther was chosen exclusively to attend the Cross Middle School to discuss survival tactics and life in his home state with 150 inquisitive students. The survival specialist has been present in the school system for years sharing his expertise.

"Community involvement is huge, and it allows locals to see different aspects of an Airman's job and mission," said Sergeant Ginther.

The students are currently reading a "survival and life-on-the-Alaskan-frontier book" for their literary arts class , therefore Sergeant Ginther's life captured the children's attention with his stories and in-depth survival knowledge.

In the presentation, he discussed numerous survival techniques, i.e., different types of cold-weather shelters you can utilize, and types of plants and animals that are good to eat in a survival situations.

"I feel privileged to be invited to share my experiences with children" said the survival expert. 

After his realistic presentation on staying alive, the children sent letters of sincere appreciation for teaching them such important skills.

"Thank you for coming! I had a fun time. I truly did! I want to be in the military when I grow up. Don't know what specialty yet, but your presentation showed me a lot." Said Jessica (student)"

"Something I thought was really cool was when you said you had built a shelter in a blizzard in 20 minutes. I thought it was really cool how you could do all that different stuff." said Tanner (student).

"I found it interesting that you can make huts with snow and still be warm. Thank you for coming and telling us some survival stories,  said Ashley (student).

"Thank you so much for sharing a wonderful Air Force presentation with our students. We all thoroughly enjoyed hearing your survival techniques and personal experiences. The worm exhibit, especially when one got away, was a highlight! We greatly appreciate your time! I hope we can do it again next year" said Ms. Ashley Bennett, the students' teacher.

The 943rd RQG is a geographically separated unit of the 920th Rescue Wing at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. 

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