An official website of the United States government
A .mil website belongs to an official U.S. Department of Defense organization in the United States.
A lock (lock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .mil website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Adopt-a-school program provides Airmen volunteer opportunities

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Ashley L. Gardner
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
Shaw Air Force Base, S.C. --  The 20th Force Support Squadron school liaison officer, John F. Kennedy, is working on creating an Adopt-a-school program to help out the community schools around Sumter.

There are 23 schools eligible to be adopted by squadrons or organizations on Shaw.

"The purpose of this program is to meet the needs of the students in our community schools," said Kennedy. "Service men and women get the opportunity to share their career experiences, mentor students, or utilize their talents in a constructive way that helps to inspire students."

Since working with the school, the 20th FSS has participated in events that afforded them time with the children from the adopted school.

So far the 20th FSS has been the only organization this year to adopt a school by adopting Oakland Primary School, Sumter S.C. As this squadron creates an active environment with its school, Kennedy keeps challenging other groups to get involved for the children.

"Usually when schools are looking for volunteers I would send a mass email out around the installation looking for volunteers," said Kennedy. "Having the unit adopt a school would give the unit an opportunity to utilize all of the talents within their units and have a steady pool of individuals to meet those needs. The Air Force has never really had a formalized program."

Kennedy hopes to bring in a program to set an example for the children of different career choices, and the opportunities they have along with a positive working atmosphere.

"This is a great program," said Shirley Thomas, Oakland Primary School principle. "A lot of the boys and girls don't have a father or a mother, so the military members that come in are role models for them. It's a great moral booster for the children to have them come and spend time with them while helping out the school."

For more information on how to get a squadron involved contact Kennedy at (803) 895-1358.