The Flight Simulator course was started in 1968, with Lt Col. Ray Christy (USAF, Ret.) as the first instructor.  The objective of the course was to give students an appreciation for the challenge of aerospace; to learn how airplanes fly, and help support and defend our nation.  The program designed as an introduction to the Air Force Junior ROTC program to give eighth grade students an opportunity to see what JROTC can offer them in High School.  The program started with a B-25 simulator (P3A Curtis Wright Dehmel) and was used until 1984 and is currently on display at the 8^th AF Museum.   The program has evolved into the current ATC-610 simulator, which simulates the Cessna 182 aircraft.  In the past 44 years there has been four instructors Lt. Col Christy (USAF, Ret) 1968 to 1979, CMSgt Jim Blackmon (USAF, Ret.) 1980 to 1987, SMSgt Martin Bourgeois, Jr., (USAF, Ret.) 1987 to 2007 and MSgt Brett Barrow (USAF, Ret.)  2007 to present.  Over 47,000 Bossier Parish eighth graders have completed the program over the years and many of the former students now have children and grandchildren going through the course.  Throughout the school year the Aerospace trailer is moved between seven Bossier Parish Middle schools where all the eighth grades students attend the course.   The course takes the place of science for 12 academic days, where they are taught history of flight, space exploration, flight fundamentals, instrument and control then how to fly the ATC-610 flight simulator.  The next phase is hands on where they receive a practice and flight test on the simulator.  The students are given two tests worth 100 points that counts toward their science grade, a knowledge test and hand on test.  To recognize the students that excel, an awards assembly is conducted for the students and parents.  Students with a 97% or higher average are given a certificate and inducted into the Flight Simulator Hall of Fame.  The top three students are awarded medallions (Gold, Silver, and Bronze), and the top student is given a perpetual plaque displayed at the school along with an individual plaque to be taken home.   The plaques and medallions are generously supported by the Air Force Association, ArkLaTex Chapter 159.  A member of the Chapter attends the awards assembly and awards the top prizes.  The Air Force Association has supported the program since its inception and has contributed to keeping the program alive and strong.  Col. Bill Cocke (USAF, Ret) and Lt. Col. James Huggins (USAF, Ret) have attended the assembly over the last few years and have truly inspired the students and parents.  As the current instructor I would like to thank the Air Force Association for all the support throughout the years to the program and to our country, THANKS