WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- For a second year, members of the 655th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) Wing and subordinate local squadrons (64th Intelligence and 71st Intelligence Squadrons) volunteered at the Regional Spelling Bee hosted by Wright State University March 7, 2025.
This year’s event featured 46 fourth through eighth grade winners seeking the opportunity to compete in the Scripps National Bee being held Memorial Day week May 27-29, 2025 in Washington, D.C. This year’s event brings additional prestige as Scripps celebrates its 100th year of the National Spelling Bee.
The ISR Wing’s partnership with Scripps stems from an initiative born of the Honorary Commander’s Program. The goal is to engage and educate local leaders on the missions of the Air Force, while also providing a venue for service members to connect back with their local communities.
“With our wing based out of seven states, this partnership is fantastic as it enables our folks the flexibility to support their local communities through events wherever they live,” stated Lt. Col. Michelle Bishop, 655th ISR Wing deputy director of intelligence.
“Being partnered regionally with Wright State for the last two years has been great. The university team clearly takes great pride in supporting the community, and it has been an absolute pleasure working alongside them to support and see the success of the kids, Bishop said. “On behalf of all our volunteers – thanks to all our partners and the Dayton community for your support of our military families; know that we all enjoy these opportunities and the chance to give back to all of you.”
This partnership has not only enriched the spelling bee experience for the students but has also strengthened ties between local military members and their community. The 655 ISR Wing is committed to fostering educational excellence through community engagements like these and looks forward to continuing this partnership in the future.