MacDill plays host to more than 250 youth

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Michael Ellis
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Volunteers from around MacDill teamed up to host more than 250 local youth from surrounding counties, Oct. 19.

Coincidentally two events, Bigs for a Day, coordinated by Master Sgt. Christopher Dehm, MacDill representative for a local organization geared toward mentoring youth, and ROTC Day, coordinated by Senior Airman Rachelle Coleman, 6th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs, were scheduled on the same day.

Dehm expressed how he was excited to find out that the events would happen on the same day and saw it as an opportunity for base agencies to work together and combine resources.

Multiple base agencies came together to fill an aircraft hangar with static displays ranging from a KC-135 Stratotanker, military boats, Humvees to a U.S. Special Operations Command booth.

Bigs for a Day paired up "littles" (children) and "bigs" (military members) to tour the base.

Retired Chief Master Sgt. Derrick Crowley, former 6th Air Mobility Wing command chief, volunteered at the event. Crowley mentioned how he has volunteered as a big for 16 years and has been with his current little for three years.

Crowley explained whether someone is only able to do the one-year commitment or wants to keep volunteering, it's important to volunteer because there are a lot of youths who need good role models.

In order to accommodate more ROTC groups at MacDill annually, ROTC Day was implemented this year.

Toward the end of the day, the cadets from ROTC Day competed in a drill competition. Members from MacDill's Honor Guard judged the competition.
"They're really good. I'm impressed... You can go find anyone (at MacDill) and match them up against them," and it would be difficult to say one was better than the other, said former MacDill Honor Guard member who was in attendance, about the winning group.

Belleview High School won at state last year and walked away number one during ROTC Day's first drill competition.

Col. Scott DeThomas, 6th AMW commander, presented a signed memento for their accomplishments and addressed the group on the importance of ROTC program.
"You have begun a journey that many before you have traveled," said DeThomas. "ROTC programs around the world have the responsibility of creating future leaders, not only in the military but the world."

DeThomas also addressed the littles, saying he hoped their experiences at MacDill have given them the confidence to achieve any goals they've set for themselves.
Some groups traveled nearly 200 miles to attend and the invite for next year was extended.

"Congratulations to all that attended and participated; hopefully we will see you back here next year," said DeThomas.