"Big for a day"--providing a positive experience for local youth

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Melanie Bulow-Gonterman
  • 6th Air Mobility Wing public affairs
MACDILL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  More than 60 military members from MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, paired with children from the Tampa Bay Big Brothers Big Sisters program during a one-of-a-kind event, Big for a Day, hosted at MacDill AFB, Nov. 24, 2014.

The 14th annual event kicked-off with a demonstration from the 6th Security Forces Squadron military working dogs, where little's were able to interact with handlers and observe the K-9 apprehension abilities.

Following the demonstration, the pairs were then chartered around the base to a variety of locations, which included the air traffic control tower and the crash fire station. One of the highlights of the day was a trip to the aircraft hangar which was filled with static displays, to include a KC-135 Stratotanker, military boats, Humvees, and a variety of hands-on displays.

"The goals of the day was to show the children what the military is about and provide them with a positive role model for the day," stated the coordinator of the event, Capt. Brooke Kibel. "This was a chance to highlight the professionals we have here at the base through hand-on activities and one-on-one interaction."

The BBBS mission is to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one mentoring.

"This is such a rewarding experience, to get to know the kids and provide them with mentorship; I love it," expressed Airman 1st Class Langston Anthony, BBBS volunteer, who went on to explain that he has been giving his little, Roderick, 10, pointers on how to be a supportive older brother.

The day concluded with remarks from 6th Air Mobility Wing commander, Col. Daniel Tulley.

"I had so much fun," exclaimed Roderick.  "This was my first time on a military base, and I learned so much."