LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
More than 1,800 children gathered at Oscar Smith High School in Chesapeake, Va., April 26 to take part in the annual Chesapeake Public Schools Special Games.
Langley accounted for more than 100 volunteers present at the games. Service members not only provided their time and effort, but also assisted the children in the activities.
"We are very thankful for the Air Force volunteers," said Lisa Perkins, Oscar Smith High School Office of Special Education compliance officer. "They are the largest supporters of the games."
With such a large event, Langley Airmen played a key role in making sure that everything ran smoothly.
Activities included Frisbee-disc tosses, relay races and basketball tournaments. Several volunteers were stationed at each event providing guidance and help to each participant and keeping the children patient as they waited their turns.
"It makes the children feel wonderful to be supported," explained Susan Page, Oscar Smith High School Special Education administrator. "Not only are they supported by the military members, but also by private businesses, churches and others in the community."
For the Airmen who volunteered, the feeling was mutual.
"As a military we get a lot of support and appreciation," explained Senior Airman Kody Conley, 94th Air Maintenance Unit F-22 Raptor crew chief. "It is important that we go out and show the community the same support and appreciation for what they do."
Events that involve both the community and the military help strengthen the bonds between the two, said Conley. It is not only important that the community welcome what the military does while in uniform, but what they also do off duty.
"Volunteering is helping out wherever you can," said Conley. "We want to give back and show that we care."
According to Perkins, the Special Games would not have been possible without the support of the military. Volunteers may have thought they were just signing up for a good cause, but they contributed in a way that brought tremendously positive impacts to the children and community.