HAMPTON ROADS, Va. –
Service members from Joint Base Langley-Eustis are volunteering their skills and knowledge to schools in the local community, through the Adopt-a-School Program.
The program, which began April 2011, links Joint Base Langley-Eustis with Hampton City Schools, and provides volunteers on a continuous basis for tutoring and mentoring students.
Since its inception, 18 schools from the Hampton Roads area have requested adoption by a JBLE unit.
The 10th Intelligence Squadron adopted Tarrant Elementary School, volunteering more than 280 hours, donating school supplies and supporting the Read Across America program by reading to more than 400 students.
"A field trip to the base is in the works," said Master Sgt. Philip Torres, 10th IS NCO in charge of readiness. "The 10th IS will provide a cook-out and tour for the students".
With similar projects between units and their adopted school, students learn both in and out of the classroom.
"Students primarily benefit from the program," said David Wiker, 633rd Force Support Squadron school liaison officer. "But unit volunteers and school staff also benefit by spending time with the children receiving additional help."
Wiker helps base units connect with schools in search of adoption partners. Once the connection is made, volunteers can devote any free time to classroom or school-ground activities.
Any JBLE unit can adopt a school as part of the program. Once the connection if official, any member of the unit, military or civilian, can participate with the adopted school.
The initiative is a commander-led program; therefore, individuals interested should route their request through the proper channels.
Commanders interested in their unit adopting a school during the next school year should contact David Wiker at (757) 225-1885, or e-mail
david.wiker@langley.af.mil.