On a mission
By Brandon Davis
Published in News on June 15, 2016 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Mark Slocum, left, and Chairman of the Military Affairs Committee Julie Daniels walk to the flight line Tuesday before Daniels' incentive flight in an F-15E Strike Eagle. Incentive flights are given to members the Goldsboro community to provide them with a better understanding of the day-to-day operations at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
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News-Argus/CASEY MOZINGO
Mrs. Daniels gives Slocum a thumbs-up that her mask is secure shortly before takeoff Tuesday.
Military Affairs Committee Chair Julie Daniels gave a thumbs-up to her husband from the Spirit of Goldsboro F-15E Strike Eagle Tuesday afternoon just before 4th Fighter Wing Commander Col. Mark Slocum took her up for her first jet flight.
Mrs. Daniels was chosen to fly with Slocum as an incentive for her hard work in order for her to have a better understanding of airmen's missions.
"I was super excited and nervous -- a little nervous," she laughed. "The excitement of it overcame any of the nervousness. I was not going to turn it down for any reason."
After briefing with Slocum before the flight, Mrs. Daniels joined her husband, Eddie, and two sons, Lee and Jacob at the squadron headquarters.
She suited up for the flight and walked beside Slocum to the flight path -- talking about the upcoming adventure -- and remembering the past two years.
Mrs. Daniels will step down as chairperson Thursday when Slocum takes his final flight at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base.
She will continue to be a part of the committee.
"Julie has done so much for this base as the head of the MAC," Slocum said. "She's going to continue to be a leader in North Carolina.
"For her to be able to advocate in the community is critical. It's a thank you to her for all the work she's done, but it also helps her communicate on behalf of the base."
The two left the base for low-level mission to Roanoke Rapids to north of Lynchburg, Va.
They then circled around mountainous terrain and through a low valley before reaching Dare County.
Mrs. Daniels said she and Slocum talked about the view from the jet but also discussed the Air Force's missions and each other's lives.
"We were able to communicate back and forth," she said. "We talked about everyday kind of stuff, but he also said it was a learning experience for me. We kind of talked about different things that they (airmen) would be doing on a mission like that, typically in a training process."