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JB MDL Airmen mentor local elementary school students

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Dennis L. Sloan
  • Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs
JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. --  Children from Pemberton Elementary School visited Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst May 31 for a tour of the C-141B Starlifter static display and lunch with their Airmen mentors.

Airmen, ranging from a military training leader to a physical therapy technician, took time out of their day to teach children about the Air Force.

"I mentor the children because I've seen a change in their behavior from when I first started," said Staff Sgt. Cheven Bonnell, 87th Medical Operations Squadron physical therapist technician. "The child I mentor is interested in the Air Force and I want to give him an honest opinion and prepare him for the military."

Mentors guided children in and around the aircraft. Master Sgt. Corinne Alvord, McGuire historical property custodian, informed the children of the aircraft's purpose and its impact on completing the Air Force mission. Alvord and Master Sgt. Benjamin Kinso, 514th historical property custodian, take care of the static displays on McGuire and Dix.

"The display aircraft are simply awesome at promoting the Air Force," said Alvord. "The whole point of having these displays is to instill pride in our lineage, showcase our history and allow the taxpayers to see what we do. These historic aircraft give visitors a close-up view of our proud heritage. It's inspiring for us to see the positive reactions when people step on board for the first time or when veterans of these aircraft come back to see an old friend. Even in retirement, these aircraft are still doing their job for the Air Force."

The children and their mentors went to John Mann Park to ride go-carts, play miniature golf and eat pizza after the aircraft tour. Staff Sgt. Andre Jenkins, 373rd Training Squadron military training leader, has been the lead on the mentorship program here at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst for the past year. The program has been in existence for just over three years. The mentors meet with the children for at least an hour every week. They help the children with academics, social skills and overall progression in maturity.

"Many of these kids are lacking a male or female adult figure in their life and we want to help fill that void," said Jenkins. "The mentorship program not only provides the children with a good role model, but is also very rewarding for the mentor as well."

The mentorship program is open to any rank as long as the servicemember can commit to at least one hour per week to the child. Contact Jenkins at 754-0563 to sign-up or for more information on the mentorship program.