Air Force pilot visits with Raymond second-grade students

Second-grade students at Raymond Elementary School
recently received a visit from U.S. Air Force Capt. Devin 
Pelletier, who discussed his career as a KC-135 Stratotanker
pilot and how focusing on academics can help them achieve
their dreams. Pelletier mother, Aileen, teaches second grade
at Raymond Elementary. SUBMITTED PHOTO  

U.S. Air Force Capt. Devin Pelletier, a former RSU 14 student, recently spent some time with students in second grade at Raymond Elementary School and inspired them with stories about his military career.

Pelletier shared with students what it is like to be a U.S. Air Force pilot, describing what it is like on flights, explaining his patches, and how his plane, the KC-135 Stratotanker, is used to refuel other Air Force planes in the air in flight and enhances the Air Force's capability to accomplish its primary mission of global reach.

The KC-135 Stratotanker also provides aerial refueling support to Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and allied nation aircraft and is also capable of transporting litter and ambulatory patients using patient support pallets during aeromedical evacuations. It features four turbofans, mounted under 35-degree swept wings which power the KC-135 to takeoffs at gross weights of up to 322,500 pounds.

A cargo deck above the refueling system can hold a mixed load of passengers and cargo. Depending on fuel storage configuration, the KC-135 can carry up to 83,000 pounds of cargo.

Pelletier spoke to students about the importance of doing your best in school and never giving up when things are tough. He stressed that kids should follow their dreams and through perseverance and a focus on academics, anything is possible for them.

His visit with students came upon an invitation from his mother, Raymond Elementary second-grade teacher Aileen Pelletier. 

He is home on leave before departing for his next assignment which will take him to Oklahoma for a couple months where he will train to become an instructor pilot. Following training, he will be stationed in Spokane, Washington.  

During his previous assignment, Capt. Pelletier was part of the 909 Air Refueling Squadron at Kadena Airbase in Okinawa, Japan.

So far in his military career, he has had the opportunity to travel to Australia, Brunei, Wake Island, Saipan, Korean, Tokyo, Guam, Hawaii, and Alaska. <