Wyoming Air National Guard hosts Discovery Day 25, inspiring future leaders through STEAM

Photos: https://www.dvidshub.net/image/9342381/discovery-day-25-inspiring-future-leaders-through-steam

Wyoming Air Guard

CHEYENNE, Wyo. - The Wyoming Air National Guard hosted its fifth annual Discovery Day on Sept. 25, 2025, bringing together students, educators, and community partners to explore opportunities in science, technology, engineering, art, and math, in Cheyenne, Wyoming.

The event, held at the Wyoming Air National Guard base, featured dozens of interactive exhibits and demonstrations designed to spark curiosity and inspire future careers. More than 1,000 students from Wyoming, Colorado, and Nebraska engaged with military personnel, colleges, businesses, and government organizations who showcased their fields in hands-on and innovative ways.

"Discovery Day is about opening doors and showing students what's possible," said Capt. Dalton King, a pilot with the 153rd Airlift Wing and the event director. "With science, technology, engineering, art, and math all represented, this event helps them imagine pathways they may never have considered."

This year's event expanded its reach, with more than 1,000 students and over 45 exhibitors participating. From aviation and engineering to medical technology and the arts, the displays covered nearly every corner of the STEAM spectrum.

Students explored outdoor conservation exhibits, watched military dog handling demonstrations, learned about electric power through lineman displays, climbed into fire and emergency medical technician rescue vehicles, tested their skills on virtual reality and simulator setups, and got a close-up look at both vintage and modern aircraft. Universities, airlines, robotics teams, and community organizations joined military partners to showcase career paths in a fun and hands-on way.

"Every year, the students discover something new - and so do we," said Master Sgt. Jonathon Alderman, 153rd Airlift Wing spokesman. "It reminds us that our mission is as much about community as it is about service."

Since its launch in 2021, Discovery Day has grown from just over 200 student attendees to one of the region's largest STEAM outreach events. Organizers credit its success to the collaboration between the Wyoming Air National Guard and its community partners.

Discovery Day reflects the Wyoming Air National Guard's commitment to inspiring, educating, and guiding youth toward fulfilling futures, while strengthening connections between the military and surrounding communities, Dalton said. For more information about future events and educational initiatives, follow the Wyoming Air National Guard on Facebook at @wyomingairguard.

Editor's Note: About the 153rd Airlift Wing, Wyoming Air National Guard

The 153rd Airlift Wing, headquartered in Cheyenne, Wyoming, is the state's only Air National Guard flying unit and a vital part of both the community and the nation's defense. Operating the C-130 Hercules aircraft, the wing provides versatile airlift capabilities ranging from transporting troops and cargo to delivering humanitarian aid around the world. The unit is also one of only four in the nation trained and equipped with the Modular Airborne Fire Fighting System (MAFFS), which enables its aircraft to battle wildfires across the United States. At home, the 153rd responds to state emergencies and natural disasters at the request of the Governor of Wyoming. With a proud legacy of service, the wing's Airmen combine global reach with local impact, representing Wyoming and the nation wherever they serve.