General Bunch tours AEDC STEM Center Published July 29, 2013 By Consetta Woosley, AEDC Contributing Writer AEDC/PA ARNOLD AIR FORCE BASE, TENN. -- Arnold Engineering Development Center's (AEDC) Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Program encourages youth to become engaged in technical fields and Maj. Gen. Arnold Bunch, Commander of the Air Force Test Center at Edwards AFB, Calif., believes such programs are critical to our nation's future. During the General's visit at AEDC last week, Jere Matty, educational outreach specialist, provided Bunch with a tour of the AEDC STEM Center. The STEM Center is designed to provide an exciting and interactive learning environment for teachers and students K-12. The mission is to inspire and develop student interest in STEM careers. Bunch observed the STEM Center's static and portable wind tunnels in use along with STEM's rocket launchers which teaches students about physics and the dynamics of flight. Bunch also looked at the STEM Center's flight simulator which uses "Learn to Fly" software and experienced the world of astronomy in the 16-foot diameter planetarium. When asked his thoughts of AEDC's STEM Center, Bunch said, "The center is amazing. It gives kids good insight and appreciation of what we do here at Arnold." Along with the tour, Bunch also learned about STEM's involvement in the surrounding community, including sponsorship of the only all-female high school TARC (Team America Rocket Challenge) Team that competed in the National Competition. Bunch said of STEM's accomplishment, "It is good to see programs inspiring both young ladies and young men. Getting youth engaged in what we are doing in these technical fields is critical to our future as a nation." Bunch said he was pleased to learn that AEDC's STEM Program covers 30 schools and encompasses about 5600 students. "Promoting the innovative spirit that has powered many of the discoveries we have today is a key component to our nation's success," he said. When asked why it is important to fund STEM efforts like the one at AEDC, Bunch replied, "STEM and developing young engineers and scientists is critical to our future. As a leader, our job is to set a legacy behind us and help the youth of America be ready to take our place." To learn more about AEDC's STEM Program go to http://www.arnold.af.mil/STEM/ or call Jere Matty at 454-7086.