(446th AW PA) - The Boy Scouts of America help youth by providing educational and fun activities while building values to last a lifetime.

One of those successful activities included three Boy Scout troops from Seattle and Redmond, who spent the morning smiling, laughing and getting an education March 5 from Reservists from the 446th Airlift Wing.

Their day at McChord Field began with a mission briefing before heading up to the base air traffic control tower to watch two C-17 Globemaster III aircraft takeoff and land. Then, the scouts got a rare chance to shoot water cannons from a fire truck, then climbed aboard a C-17 with an aeromedical evacuation static display.

"The boys want to get an understanding of the kind of defense capabilities our country has and they're very interested in airplanes as they are working on their aerospace merit badges," said Gene Owen, a parent with Boy Scout Troop 520.

The Boy Scouts weren't the only ones who benefited from the fun.

"Teaching the boys about mobility processing for deploying Airmen," said Master Sgt. Rick Jackson, 446th AW command staff. "It's the first time I've worked with Boy Scouts since my son was a scout and I look forward to the next opportunity to help."

Finishing their tour, the scouts devoured Meals Ready to Eat for lunch before heading home.

"It was a fantastic experience today," said Scott Taylor, Troop 171 Scoutmaster. "The boys loved all the demonstrations."