HAMPTON, Va. –
EDITOR'S NOTE: Due to the sensitivity of the 10th Intelligence Squadron mission, the names of the Airmen in the story are withheld. Marge McGlinn of the 480th Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Wing contributed to this report.
Forty Airmen from the 10th Intelligence Squadron are looking forward to going back to school at Cesar Tarrant Elementary School in Hampton, Va., over the next eight months.
The eager Airmen are participating in the Adopt-A-School program, launched by Joint Base Langley-Eustis launched in October as a way to engage Airmen with students in grades kindergarten through fifth grade.
Through their units, Airmen partner with specific schools in Hampton. These Airmen share a common commitment with the teachers and staff to help the children work toward future goals.
"It's a great opportunity for the 10th IS to develop a relationship with the local community and demonstrate our commitment to education," the 10th Intelligence Squadron commander said.
Twice each month, Airmen will visit the school and build on the educational foundation put in place by parents and teachers, aiming to inspire children to set both long and short term goals.
One 10th IS master sergeant said he has five children of his own, and understands the importance of helping children maintain goals to reach their full potential.
"The Adopt-A-School program is a great experience," the master sergeant said. "It is an opportunity to mentor students on educational goals that will help them develop values and realize the importance of staying in school."
The Airmen act as role models and let the children know they believe in them. Developing confidence in students is beneficial to guiding children to stay the course in their education.
"The volunteers are there to help guide and mentor the children in a positive way," said one 10th IS staff sergeant. "We teach the children good etiquette and the importance of a good education through constant interaction."
The squadron's Airmen look forward to the quality time they spend with the students, and the student's reaction to the Airmen seems clear.
"Not only do the Airmen enjoy their time with the students, but the children are excited to see the Airmen and ask a wide variety of questions," noted a participant. "It is such an honor to help these young citizens prepare for their future."
All 19 classes at the school are taking advantage of the wealth of experience and the goodwill of the volunteer Airmen.
The Hampton City Schools superintendent, Dr. Linda Shifflette, signed a memorandum of understanding with Langley Air Force Base in June 2011 to create the partnership.
According to Shifflette, the MOU gives students opportunities to bond with individuals who have unique life experiences and skills.