Airmen mentoring future leaders

Published Sept. 21, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Solomon Cook
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- Tyndall has a long history of working hand-in-hand with various organizations to make the community a better place to work, live and play. This past week it lived up to its reputation by hosting the head of the Bay County School District at the Airman and Family Readiness Center.

Tyndall Airmen met with William V. Husfelt III, Bay County superintendent of schools, and Tamara Turnmeyer, 325th Fighter Wing school liaison officer to discuss volunteer opportunities with the Bay District School Mentorship Program.

"For five years now, with the support of installation commanders, service members and civilians from Tyndall Air Force Base and Naval Support Activity-Panama City, mentors have graciously volunteered to adopt classrooms to share personal stories about overcoming obstacles in life," Husfelt said. "They also assist teachers with classroom goals and activities. The men and women are the perfect role models to inspire and encourage middle and high school kids to work hard and to help them realize they too can have a bright future if they don't give up."

Although the members of the program and the Panama City community are appreciative for Tyndall volunteers, they also emphasize the need to have mentors come to the classrooms on a regular basis.

"The mentor makes a commitment to visit his or her adopted classroom at least two to three times each month in order to build trust with students and to impart knowledge and experiences with the end goal of giving students hope for the future," Husfelt said. "They may talk about obstacles they have overcome or share details about their jobs and personal goals for their future. These visits have a huge impact on students and can change their lives by helping them look beyond the current situation and adopt a vision for success. Volunteers are also invited to attend school activities and events."

This gives students the opportunity to see a whole new perspective from role models they would not otherwise have the opportunity to meet. Mentors help schools help students by giving them hope, which in turn can make students strive for achievements that make them more productive citizens, Husfelt added.

Some of the qualities Airmen should impart and share with students are - accountability, attention and concern, listening, socialization, building self-esteem and setting goals for the future.

"Airmen can help bridge the gap with the youths by taking interest their lives by listening, giving time and not being judgmental," Turnmeyer said. "Mentors can encourage young people to talk about their fears, dreams, and concerns. Staying neutral and not judging, but rather, sharing your own values, is important in listening. Volunteers must remember a mentor may be the only adult in a student's life who listens."

Websites such as the National Mentoring Partnership cite studies that show a correlation between mentoring students and drop-out rates. According to one study, students who meet regularly with their mentors are 52 percent less likely than their peers to skip a day of school. An analysis of another mentoring program found that youth in mentoring relationships present better attitudes and behaviors at school and are more likely to attend college than their counterparts.

Husfelt concluded by voicing his appreciation for military members who give back to the community through mentoring.

"Fortunately for us, we are able to utilize the willingness of our military men and women to make a difference in the lives of our youth. We consider them to be excellent role models," Husfelt said. "They are like celebrities to us and certainly to our students. I can tell you that General Colin Powell is a huge supporter of mentoring and has his own foundation to develop programs that support youth through activities like this. I am glad that Tyndall is also involved with local youths."