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McGuire Airmen visit, mentor local youth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  McGuire Airmen recently visited and spoke with youth about the Air Force at the Burlington County Juvenile Detention Center in Pemberton, N.J. 

Mimi Ryan-Cirillo, the 305th Services Squadron Library director, and the library staff have an outreach program agreement with the detention center. Each month, the library staff visits the center to take books to the children, ages 12-17, as well as fun crafts/projects that the children enjoy. 

This month, in addition to their monthly visit, Ms. Ryan-Cirillo asked Tech. Sgt. Michelle Peterkin, 305th SVS commander support staff NCO in charge, to host a visit with the children. Sergeant Peterkin gathered a few other Airmen and set off to speak with the children about all the options available to them, including opportunities in the U.S. Air Force. 

"I decided to host this event to educate children about the Air Force who otherwise wouldn't get the opportunity to meet active-duty Airmen who are a part of the flying community," Sergeant Peterkin said. "My goal for the visit was to give back to the community and to hopefully cause a positive change in the lives of young men and women who need to know they can turn their lives around and be productive members of society." 

During the visit, Airmen shared stories about their experiences thus far in the military and answered any questions the children had. 

"The visit really exceeded my expectations. The children were very receptive and interactive - they were very curious about the Air Force way of life," Sergeant Peterkin said. 

Sergeant Peterkin stressed the importance of getting involved with the community and giving back - especially when it comes to youth. 

"I plan to work with at-risk youth once I retire, so visiting the kids and being a part of this program is something near and dear to my heart," she said. "It is vital that we as Air Force members give back to the community - to children especially. 

"Even if you do more than 20 years in the Air Force, there's going to come a time when you transition back into society. The children who are teenagers now are going to be our leaders and our future - some may even be Air Force members of the future," Sergeant Peterkin said. "I want to make sure the Air Force of tomorrow carries on the traditions and proud heritage that has been handed down from generation to generation."