Deployed Airmen share time with elementary school students

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jennifer Redente
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
AGANA, Guam --  Deployed Airmen from the 36th Operations Group and 36th Maintenance Group, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, joined Machananao Elementary School students May 15 for physical education.

More than 35 Airmen assigned to the 509th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit, 3rd Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit and 525th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron spent the afternoon playing with the children in various activities including kickball, wiffle ball and baseball as part of a community outreach program at Andersen AFB.

The Airmen, who demonstrate Service Before Self, an Air Force Core Value, not only are doing something good for the community, but also enjoy interacting with the children and seeing them get excited when the Airmen arrive.

"I think what I enjoy the most about helping them out is the smiles on their faces," said Senior Master Sgt. Michael Pierce, 509th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Unit superintendent and the team lead for the volunteer group. "The first time we attended, we went to the classes and opened the doors, and the kids cheered. It was a great feeling!"

The teachers at Machananao also agree that the children enjoy the time the Airmen spend with them.

"I know the children get excited when they come out," said Cathy Limtuatco, Machananao Elementary School fourth grade teacher. "It's kind of like a Big Brother, Big Sister program. It's a positive outreach for these kids. [Some of the children] come from broken families."

Limtuatco is appreciative of the individuals who assist the teachers of the elementary school.

"The children enjoy the [Airmen] coming out to play with them," she said. "The kids can relate to [the Airmen] coming from different places through the books we read. We just read a book, which took place in Alaska."

The 525th EFS is deployed from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, and will take over the community outreach program when the 509th EAMU redeploys to Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Since their arrival, the 525th has assisted the 509th EAMXU and the 506th EARS with various projects at the school to include general grounds maintenance and school clean-up. They will be assisting in repainting the perimeter fencing of the school in the near future.

While school ends in May, the Airmen will continue assisting the school and the children.
"During summer school, we will be able to provide tutoring to the students once a week," said Master Sgt. Lisa Robinson, 525th EFS first sergeant.

"We will also continue with the fitness program every other week, and school clean-up is usually once a month."

For those who assist in the program, it's an opportunity to spend their time doing something meaningful.

"I volunteer my time because it is a worthy cause," said Staff Sgt. Frank Ruckel, 3rd EAMXU metals technologist. "It shows the kids here in Guam that we truly care for them."

Sergeant Ruckel also explained how it opened his eyes to how much he had as a child.

"It made me feel like I had too much as a kid growing up," he said. "I see how they go to school, and how they don't have the proper items such as pencils and paper, etc. It really made me very thankful for what I had as a kid, and what I have now."

No matter the location, Sergeant Pierce feels the community outreach project is a great way to give back to the local area.

"I recommend all personnel get involved in the community whether at home station or deployed," he said. "I believe we all reap the benefits of better community relations and making the community a better place."