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Airmen provide positive role models through mentorship program

  • Published
  • By Greg Allen
  • 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
CANNON AIR FORCE BASE, N.M. --  For nearly two dozen Airmen here, their weekly regimen includes a regular return to junior high school.

Not as students mind you, but for at least one hour a week, they serve as mentors to students at Yucca Middle School.

The program is similar to the Big Brothers and Sisters program said Jami Kostan, an instructional coach at the school. She pairs up selected students with Airmen who then tutor and provide a role model for the students who are in grades seven through nine.

"I learned from my husband [Capt. William Kostan, 27th Special Operations Support Squadron] that Airmen at Cannon were working with other local schools," said Mrs. Kostan. After working with the school administration to set up a program, her husband e-mailed unit first sergeants who in turn solicited volunteers from their Airmen.

Volunteers must commit part of one school day a week to the program. They meet their students in areas such as the library or places where others can see the program in action.

Airman 1st Class Robert Gerry, 27th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron, and on his off days spends time with Chris Lee, a 12-year old seventh-grader. The two spent time at the library going over assignments and talking.

Airman Gerry, who has mentored for a month, said he understands the importance of mentoring because the students "are tomorrow's leaders."

For Chris, though his interests are mainly about playing cornerback or turning 13, the mentoring program helps him achieve another goal, albeit at the prodding of his mother.
"My mom says I have to go to college," he said.

At another table in the library, Airman 1st Class Evelyn Chavez, 27th Special Operations Wing Public Affairs, was meeting Genoveva Hernandez for the first time. As the 13-year old seventh-grader and Airman Chavez walked down a school hallway, they paused to look at the names on an honor roll list.

"That's what I want - to be on that list," said Genoveva, who is in the 7th grade at Yucca.

"She was born in Torreon, Mexico and now she makes Bs and Cs," Airman Chavez, "But she says she has problems with literature and tech class. That's where I hope to help her."

Airman Chavez said she became interested in the program because before she joined the Air Force, she mentored students and coached youths in sports.

Mrs. Kostan said there are plans to increase the program and Airmen who are interested in providing a positive example for students and help keep them on the right track, should contact their first sergeants.








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