Maxwell Airmen lead, inspire during rocket launch Published Sept. 23, 2015 By By Airman 1st Class Zoe Russell 42nd Air Base Wing Public Affairs MAXWELL AIR FORCE BASE, Ala. -- Maxwell Airmen helped students launch rockets on Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, Sept. 16, 2015. The 56 fifth graders studied Newton's Laws of Motion and applied their newfound skills to construct water rockets during their science and technology academies reinforcing basic aviation and space exploration, or STARBASE, classes. STARBASE is a Department of Defense education program for fifth grade students to participate in "hands-on, mind on" activities in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. STARBASE academies are located across the country on National Guard, Navy, Marine, Air Force Reserve, Army and Air Force bases. Maxwell's academy teaches approximately 1, 500 students from Elmore, Montgomery and Autauga county schools. "It's really important we have a program like STARBASE that gives them an opportunity to experience science, technology, engineering and mathematics," said Brandi Douglas, STARBASE teacher. She also said the students are excited to interact with Maxwell Airmen, who helped the students with the launch process. Capt. Mitchell Haverkamp, Jeanne M. Holm Center for Officer Accessions and Citizens Development Air Force ROTC deputy chief of training and STARBASE alumni, has volunteered multiple times with the launches. He said it's cool watching young children get excited seeing math and science in action and start using their critical thinking skills. Princess Cuthrell, STARBASE director, said the staff was extremely excited to learn that Haverkamp, who works in the same building as STARBASE, had also previously been a member. "To have a uniformed member of the Air Force come out, be part of this launch, lead them and say, 'I too was in STARBASE, and because of what I did it inspired me to become an engineer in the United States Air Force,'... that gives so much hope and inspiration," said Cuthrell. Anyone interested in volunteering with future STARBASE classes can call (334) 953-4821.