Tyndall makes differences in student's lives

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony J. Hyatt
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Eleven members from Tyndall Air Force Base were recognized June 10 at the Nelson School District Building, Panama City for their efforts in the Bay County School Mentoring Program.

Bill Husfelt, Bay County School District superintendent, wanted to personally recognize each member with a plaque and certificate of appreciation; Capt. Andres Munera, Master Sgt. Bill Fortenberry, Tech. Sgt. Wesley Meseroll, Staff Sergeants Dustin Dallis, Robert Vazquez, Audrey Mollo, Tibal Merritt, Senior Airmen Kenny Delucia, Dundre Davis, Airman First Class Jennifer Reinhart and Airman Basic Jerylmayne White.

"The Bay County School Mentoring Program is geared toward students who felt after high school there was not much for them," said Alfredo Lopez, 325th Mission Support Group resource advisor and Tyndall student liaison officer. "Also [the program] is geared to those students who were at risk of maybe not finishing high school."

Since September 2009, Tyndall volunteers have donated more than 600 hours.

"I felt those in uniform have an inspiring story to tell and could mentor the students to overcome obstacles and show them they can accomplish anything in life if you put your mind to it," said Mr. Husfelt.

Mr. Husfelt also felt the students would be more apt to listening to mentors closer to their own age.

"Several mentors, including myself, had a lot of the same life and home challenges growing up these kids face today," said Master Sgt. Walter Fortenberry, 325th Air Control Squadron first sergeant and Tyndall mentor liaison. "We are able to show [students] them there are alternatives out there like the military to help you succeed, no matter who you are or where you are from."

Both students and mentors benefited from this program.

"I participated in the mentor program in hopes of making a difference. I had no idea I would be the one greatly impacted," said Airman 1st Class Jennifer Reinhardt, 325th Maintenance Squadron aircraft structural maintenance. "I was so proud to see my student excel."

"This was a really humbling and rewarding experience knowing I had a helping hand in my mentoree receiving his high school diploma," said Staff Sgt. Dustin Dallis, 325th Contracting Squadron specialist. "I will definitely be a mentor next year."

"Kids don't care what you know, until they know you care," concluded Mr. Husfelt.

For information on becoming a Tyndall mentor, contact Sergeant Fortenberry at 283-4760 or your first sergeant.