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USAFCENT adopts school

  • Published
  • By Maj. John Elolf
  • U.S. Air Forces Central Public Affairs
SUMTER, S.C. --  More than 20 Air Force members from the U.S. Air Forces Central A2 Directorate volunteered at Alice Drive Elementary School during the last few weeks of the Sumter school year as part of the Adopt-a-School program.

The Adopt-a-School program is where units from Shaw promise to provide support to a local school through volunteers and donations. "It's [the Adopt-a-School program] a perfect avenue to show that the Airmen of Shaw AFB are an integral part of this community," said Capt. Doug House, USAFCENT A2 volunteer coordinator.

"So far this year (we just started last month) we had 21 members from the A2 Directorate volunteer to help administer PACT (PACT is annual testing from the state of South Carolina) testing," said House. "We also had seven Airmen volunteer to help with the school's Fun Day." The volunteers helped run games including dodge ball, obstacle course, long jump and bean bag toss.

"Every one of our volunteers enjoyed the time they spent with the children. It's amazing sitting in a classroom of third graders and letting them ask you questions. You never know what they're going to ask. They're also so appreciative of the time and effort our Airmen have given," said House.

"We really love having Shaw come out to volunteer" said Ms Debbie Thomas, Alice Drive Elementary School principle. "What seems like a small thing to [the base] is a big thing for the kids," Thomas added.

Although the school year has finished, the USAFCENT A2 Directorate has plans to continue the program for next school year. "We can't wait for next year," said House. Thomas agrees. "We are looking forward to doing other things with them next year."