325 SFS helps youths see inner potential

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Joshua Stevens
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  For 10 troubled young men from the Liberty Juvenile Unit for Special Treatment in Bristol, Fla., May 5 was no ordinary day, but a chance to receive some respite from the confines of juvenile delinquency.

The 325th Security Forces Squadron hosted the teenagers, who ranged from ages 15 to 18, on a tour of the squadron, as well as other areas around Tyndall, in order to open the boys' eyes to more positive paths they could follow in the future.

"This is about building a long-lasting partnership between our squadron and their rehabilitation organization to help mentor these youths and let them see there's other choices and more to life than the environments they may have come from," said Master Sgt. Trell Chambers, 325 SFS Reports and Analysis NCO in charge. "We also want them to know there are people out here who truly care about their welfare."

The teens were not arbitrarily chosen, either. They are top performers of the Liberty JUST Program who have continued to excel in the areas of good behavior, school and civic-minded activities for a period of at least two months and two weeks. For this, they were selected to participate in the 325 SFS event, said Ray Lasseter, Liberty JUST Team Leader.

The day was coordinated a month in advance and was facilitated by 10 volunteers from the 325 SFS. The first event on the docket was an in-brief with Maj. Woody Boyd, 325 SFS commander, who welcomed them and showed them a video which emphasized the Centurion warrior mindset the 325 SFS members pride themselves on.

From there, the teens loaded up for a tour of the 325th Operations Support Squadron Radar Approach Control Facility, as well as the Air Traffic Control Tower. After arrival, genuine curiosity could be seen on their faces as they asked a great deal of questions, often following up with an animated, "Cool!"

As soon as the tower and RAPCON tour finished, they were given the unique opportunity to stand up-close to the F-22 Raptor and ask questions of a member of its maintenance crew.

Bringing these experiences to the teens brought smiles to Airmen who were helping with the day's events.

"I feel good interacting with the kids," said Airman 1st Class Denton Williams, 325 SFS member. "It's giving them a better outlook, and the chance to see [what military life] is like."

The day wasn't over yet, though. Next the boys on the tour got the chance to see a live military working dog presentation, courtesy of the 325 SFS dog handlers and trainers, as well as Ciro, a 7-year-old, explosive-detecting German shepherd. They then went on to tour the 325 SFS armory and Base Defense Operations Control Room.

For the final event of the day, the group was treated to a 325 SFS-hosted lunch of hot dogs and hamburgers in Heritage Park and invited to play volleyball with members of the squadron.

325 SFS leadership pointed out the significance of the trip for the boys.

"I feel the partnership affords teens an opportunity to witness real-life success stories of the great Americans who serve our nation," Major Boyd said. "I cannot count the number of Airmen I have met who are positive role models today because of courageous choices they made in their own lives, regardless of the environment from which they came."

He also noted the impact on the members of the 325 SFS.

"For our Airmen, there is no tangible benefit other than the internal satisfaction of giving," he said. "It's not about an enlisted or officer performance report bullet or quarterly award; it's about the heart to serve. Not one of the Airmen who gives of their time and mentors these teens asks what's in it for them."

The 325 SFS plans to conduct visits to the Liberty JUST facility and or more tours to the base at least quarterly in the future. For most of the teens, these visits will be the only break in their regimented routine they receive during their involvement with the program, which typically lasts nine to 12 months.