D-M honors outstanding Desert Lightning team volunteers

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Melissa Copeland
  • 355th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  More than 40 volunteers from Davis-Monthan were recognized April 9 at a celebratory luncheon at the Mirage Officer's Club here.

The volunteers cumulatively rendered countless hours of service to the Pima County Youth Detention Center Mentoring Program as reading coaches and mentors.

To become a reading coach and mentor, each volunteer is required to attend training through the Rotary Reading Seed program, a project of the Rotary Club of Tucson.

During the training, Airmen are counseled on how to promote a successful reading environment for young people, how to interact with them and how to respond to what needs the mentors might be asked to fulfill.

"It can be challenging at times because some youth have a lot of needs that you may not be able to help with," Staff Sgt. Jennifer Coburn, 355th Fighter Wing chaplain assistant and youth mentor said.

Mentoring can also help a volunteer expand their horizons.

"Sometimes you need to get out of your comfort zone to help you grow as well," she added.

With more than 40 mentors volunteering at the youth center, nine elementary schools in the Tucson Unified School District and one in the Sunnyslope School District, the program has flourished in less than three years since its inception.

All those who sacrifice their time off-duty to mentor must dedicate one or two days per week visiting with their mentee.

"I volunteered as a mentor because I think that it is important to help others, especially when they are so young and need guidance or just a friend to talk with," said Sergeant Coburn.

Participating in the program is rewarding, according to Sergeant Coburn, as it shows how each person can make a difference.

"Mentoring has taught me that everyone is important and even if you don't feel you can make a difference, mentoring just one youth can change your outlook," Sergeant Coburn said. "To make a friend and to be support to a youth can be very rewarding."

The mentoring program began as just an idea in September 2005, when the Director of the Rotary Reading Seed Center, Allan Tractenberg, the Pima County Juvenile Court Center staff and Davis-Monthan leadership met to discuss the possibility of linking Airmen with children at the center.

Needless to say, the "possibility" has become a successful reality.

Volunteers are always needed as the youth center houses more than 3,000 young people each year.

"This program gives you freedom to meet with your youth at the times that work for both of you," said Sergeant Coburn. "It is a great program to help others out."

For those interested in volunteering as a reading coach and mentor, contact Staff Sgt. Andrea Regina at 228-1989, or e-mail andrea.regina@dm.af.mil.