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Giving back: Staff sergeant helps improve local communities, encourages others to follow

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Bekah Phy
  • 305th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. --  Crime rates are on the rise in many towns. Quality education is lacking in many schools. Many high school graduation rates are decreasing and many communities are in turmoil. As dramatic as it may seem, this reality is what inspires him to make a difference - one person and one event at a time. He has hope, and through education, he is changing his local community and, ultimately, making the world a better place. 

Staff Sgt. Elie Pean, 305th Security Forces Squadron patrolman and controller, has been in the Air Force, and stationed at McGuire, for more than four years. As a native of Willingboro, N.J., he decided to get involved, volunteer and give back to others when he realized the deteriorating status of some local communities. 

With the passing of his mother, Marie T. Pean, in June 2006, he and his family started the Marie T. Pean Foundation in her honor. 

"The purpose of the Marie T. Pean Foundation is to enhance the overall state of communities through education," Sergeant Pean said. "'Empowerment through education' is our motto. Our mission is to empower the people of communities by promoting education and higher learning through financial assistance, academic programs and community-enrichment programs -- making success available to everyone from all facets of life." 

At just 23 years old, Sergeant Pean serves as the president of the Marie T. Pean Foundation. He believes it is important for all Airmen to give back to their communities. 

"I talk to a lot of people who may not have liked the communities they grew up in. But overall, we are products of our environments and communities," he said. "I owe it to my community for who I am today. We all owe it to our communities for who we are." 

Master Sgt. Ralph Tomeo, 305th SFS flight chief and Sergeant Pean's supervisor, said he is a great role model to other Airmen and children in local communities. 

"Sergeant Pean is compelled to accomplish a myriad of goals in life; those set forth by his career in the Air Force, his church foundation and community, and self improvement through higher education. This combined with his ungovernable force to do what's right, epitomizes the 'Can Do' Airman and establishes him as a cornerstone of his community and the Air Force." 

Sergeant Pean said he's very fortunate to have had certain opportunities in life and is thankful to those who helped get him where he is. "There are many children out there who are not as blessed as I was to have some of the opportunities I've had," Sergeant Pean said. "Now, I have an obligation to help as many people as I can because someone helped me. " 

Sergeant Pean's mother is one person who helped him become who he is today. His mother believed strongly in education, he said. Each year before school started, Sergeant Pean's mother would hold a small picnic for the children in his church. 

"We would barbecue, play games, and she would have someone come out to talk to us (about our futures). Then the elders would pray for us," Sergeant Pean said. This year is no exception. To continue his mother's legacy, the annual Marie T. Pean Back to School Picnic will be held Aug. 23, 2 to 8 p.m., at Millcreek Park in Willingboro, N.J. Parents and students, of all ages, are invited to the free festivities - food, games, music and prayer. School supplies will also be distributed to participating students. 

The annual picnic is just one way Sergeant Pean will continue to give back to his community. "Some of our communities are facing difficulties," he said. "It's going to take us to recognize the problem and come together to become the solution."