Local military teen a beacon of humility

Published May 8, 2013
By Senior Airman Christopher Reel
325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- The Boys and Girls Clubs of America selected Tyndall's own Tasha Duong, daughter of Maj. Tam Duong, 325th Medical Support Squadron Diagnostics and Therapeutic Flight commander, and Truc Duong, 325th Comptroller Squadron Air Force Audit Agency auditor, as the Florida Military Youth of the Year.

Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys and Girls Club member can receive.

The honor is a reflection of sound character, leadership skills and willingness to give back to the community, according to Boys and Girls Clubs of America officials.

The Rutherford High School junior is now the new teenager representative for the Boys and Girls Clubs in Florida. Tupperware Brands Corps is donating $1,000 towards college. She competes at the regional level in Atlanta, Ga. June 18 to 22.

Tasha is actively involved at the Tyndall Youth Activities Center, a Boys and Girls Club of America affiliate. She has been involved with the Tyndall Youth Programs for four years.

"I would like to thank all the workers at the Youth Center, especially Lora Snyder [Duong's advisor and Youth Program Assistant] for getting my nomination together for this achievement. Also, I would not have been able to achieve this if Mr. Carey Turner [Tyndall Youth Director] for giving me the big push my freshman year to get out there and accomplish everything there is to offer," said Ms. Duong. "If it wasn't for them, I probably would not be where I'm at today.

"When we first moved here, the Youth Center was one of the first places I turned to," said Ms. Duong. "I've met some of my first friends there, and that's where I get the majority of my volunteer hours. I am really honored and feel special that I've accomplished this for something I started doing my freshman year."

She is actively involved in Tyndall Youth Programs, Air Force Teen Council, Keystone Club and the Special Events Committee. She is also holds the role of president of Senior Class, president of Multi-cultural Club, section editor of the year book and a member of International Baccalaureate.

Her favorite volunteer work is when she is working with children, she explained.

She's volunteered at the base Easter egg hunt, kids' nights out and some base-wide events. She also enjoys helping at the youth center.

"There are a lot of pre-teens that go there," said the high school junior. "It's a great program to mentor the pre-teens. My friends and I are always there, which also helps show them what being involved and volunteering in the community can do.

"Teens need to start finding their place here because the opportunities to get involved are out there, they just need to find it," Ms. Duong added. "You have to start somewhere, most [teenagers] don't expect anything exciting but there are things out there and they just need to take advantage of the opportunities.

She encourages volunteering with friends because not only does the community benefit, there is no worry of getting into trouble.

"There are so many teens at this base that aren't involved, which is sad when there are plenty of avenues to get involved in. It just takes that first step," said Ms. Duong. "It is always motivational to get the praise and receive honors for your hard work. I am doing good deeds by mentoring pre-teens and young children, and the appreciation I receive from that is the most rewarding. Volunteering doesn't only broaden the horizons for just me, but others too."

We, as military kids, may think we have it rough because we are always moving or our parents deploy. But there are children out there that have a rough home life, maybe some children's parents do drugs, are abusive, or maybe their parents are in jail, Ms. Duong expressed.

"But that doesn't just happen on TV," she said. "It happens in real life, and it happens to kids our age, even within our community. A positive mentor can make the world a difference on a struggling child for how they choose live their life. This is one of the main reasons I try to volunteer out in our community.

"It's your own life. Life is so short; you may as well take direction and make the best of it. And while you're living it you may as well be a positive influence in someone else's life," Ms. Duong said.

For volunteer opportunities contact the Tyndall Youth Activities Center at (850) 283-4366.