that's all brother- a flying classroom
TRANSCRIPT
That’s All, Brother will be used for an immersive experience centered on the actions of the Paratroopers on D-Day will serve to reinforce essential life skills learned at school.
As students exit the bus they are greeted by costumed interpreters- members of the 101st Airborne on the eve of the invasion.
The students are lined up, and brought to attention and brought into the D-Day narrative in the first person.
Adhesive patches are distributed to all of the students, marking them as members of the 101st Airborne Division, “The Screaming Eagles.”
The students will receive dog tags printed with key principles which relate to the overcoming of obstacles in one’s own life.
As the students puts on the dog tag, these core principles are explained. While applicable in their own lives, these principles were also key aspects of a paratrooper’s spirit.
As the students are brought to the rear of the aircraft, they are briefed on their mission in Normandy, derived from the actual mission of the 2/502nd.
In anticipation of boarding the aircraft, the Students are shown how to darken their faces, as was done on June 5, 1944.
As the students board the aircraft, they are ushered in to an aircraft cabin which is visually identical to That’s All, Brother’s cabin on D-Day
The tail of the aircraft is lifted to simulate take-off and flight, while an audio/visual presentation inside the aircraft transports students back in time.
The jump master instructs the students to stand up, and hook up – actually clipping their “parachutes” to the static line system in the aircraft.
As it turns green the excitement inside the aircraft reaches a crescendo and the Students are ushered to the door.
As students exit the aircraftthey are passing through the very same door the original paratroopers would have.
It is explained that through collaboration, communication and determination they can still accomplish their mission.
The students must work together in order to transport vital supplies to the drop zone, facing obstacles, such as rivers, in their path.
These obstacles are team building activities designed to, encourage the students to be confident, flexible and adaptable.
Having accomplished a river crossing, the students encounter an airborne supply cart which must be reassembled through team work.
The cart must now be coaxed through a “minefield.” One team is pulling the cart, the others are trying to communicate the safest path.
Because the team pulling the cart has been blindfolded, the emphasis of this activity is on trust, and effective communication.
Because the “Minefield” task cannot be completed without collaboration, it serves to further develop this skill.