The students at Meco Elementary School recently enjoyed a visit from
MSgt. William Gizara, of the Stratton Air National Guard Base. The
Universal Pre-K Students, who hosted the visitor, have been learning
about Polar Animals and the Arctic Regions. MSgt. Gizara, as his
friends call him: Sergeant Willie, is a photographer for the Air
National Guard. He has been to the Antarctic Region several times
and routinely shares media presentations about his experiences to
school children throughout the Capital District and surrounding
area.
Sergeant Willie visited the Meco Classrooms throughout the day. He
shared photos of seals, Emperor Penguins, the National Science
Foundation’s Science Center and Observatory, Air National Guard
C-130 Air Transport Planes, and the equipment and housing that can
be found at the Air National Guard Base and Science Station in
Antarctica.
The children learned many interesting facts about Antarctica: You
need four to six layers of clothing to protect yourself from the
wind and cold. Penguins, seals, and a few birds are the only animals
who venture onto this ice covered continent. ALL food, supplies,
building equipment, science equipment, medical supplies, spare parts
for the planes and snowmobiles, clothing, games, books, and anything
else the scientists and soldiers need must be brought in by the
C-130 Transport Planes. Winter in Antarctica is 8 months long and it
is almost completely dark for most of that time. The temperatures
range from 20 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer to -60 degrees
Fahrenheit during the winter months.
The students at Meco Elementary School recently enjoyed a visit from
MSgt. William Gizara, of the Stratton Air National Guard Base. The
Universal Pre-K Students, who hosted the visitor, have been learning
about Polar Animals and the Arctic Regions. MSgt. Gizara, as his
friends call him: Sergeant Willie, is a photographer for the Air
National Guard. He has been to the Antarctic Region several times
and routinely shares media presentations about his experiences to
school children throughout the Capital District and surrounding
area. 
