An 82nd Aerial Target Squadron Airman was recognized by Big Brother Big Sisters of Northwest Florida as the Ron Mobayed Military Big of the Year during a commander’s call Aug. 9.
Senior Airman Christian Smith volunteered approximately 350 hours to the program and his “Little Brother” Jaylon.
The Ron Mobayed Award was established as a memorial to the life of Lt. Ronald Joseph Mobayed, an outstanding Big Brother who was stationed in Pensacola for flight training in the early 1990s. Tragically, Ron and his crew were killed in the line of duty on Oct. 3, 1995. This award is presented to pay tribute to the BBBS Northwest Florida military volunteers, and is awarded to the big sibling who exemplifies the spirit of Lieutenant Mobayed through their commitment to the BBBS agency and children in the community.
“Kids sometimes need someone to talk to who is closer to their level, whether they are high risk or not,” Smith said. “Also, it's nice to see someone you can relate to in a positive situation to remind you that you're not at a dead end and can take other paths in life.”
Smith first heard of the program when he was in high school, and since then, he knew the program was a place where he could make a positive contribution, he said.
As stated on their website, Big Brothers Big Sisters is an organization that operates in approximately 330 communities across the United States - large and small, urban and rural. The local agencies work with their colleagues across the nation to design and develop programs that are tailored to the needs of their community.
Leanne Gaudet, Bay County case manager for BBBS of Northwest Florida, presented the award to Smith.
“Big Brother Christian Smith reached out to the program in 2013 when he relocated to the area with the United States Air Force,” Gaudet said. “Jaylon was enrolled with the program when he was just eight years old, and the bond with Jaylon and Christian was almost immediate.”
The organization is proud to present Smith with this award, Gaudet said. “Christian has given Jaylon strength. He stresses to the Little Brother that even though there is unfairness in life, there is always another day and he can be whatever he wants.”
Smith was also praised by his leadership.
“Every so often someone goes well above and beyond what is expected,” said Lt. Col. Matthew Garrison, Smith’s squadron commander. “Not only in their military duties, but what is expected of an ordinary citizen. Christian is one of these people.”