Sailors assigned to the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS John C. Stennis spoke with 7th and 8th grade students June 5 about military career options during Mountain View Middle School’s 2013 Future Fair.

The fair was a chance for Sailors to talk to students about military service and the many options available to them when choosing a career.

“It’s important that we’re here today to show the community that we are here for them and to let kids know what the U.S. Navy is about,” said Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Handling) 1st Class Arnel Angeles.

In addition to the presentation by Stennis’ Sailors, the fair also included representatives from local businesses and educational institutions, exposing the students to a variety of viable career options.

“The military presence, as well as our community members coming in, is so valuable because kids forget that there is a whole community of people out there who are looking out for them, care for them and who really want to see them succeed,” said Jennifer Chamberlin, the coordinator for the fair.

Some students who already have an interest in the military, like 7th grader Sage Riggs, used this opportunity to learn more about being a service member.

“I want to be an Army doctor when I grow up,” said Riggs. “The fair and the Navy guys really helped me learn more about working in the military.”

“I really hope that the kids had a lot of fun,” said Chamberlin.  “I also hope they become inspired and develop some ideas about what they want to do when they get older.”

For more news from USS John C. Stennis visit www.stennis.navy.mil or www.facebook.com/stennis74.