Youths become acquainted with Air Force at Luke Published Aug. 22, 2008 By Master Sgt. Stephen Delgado 56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- Four youths, Anthony, Aaron, Jason and Justin, ages 16 to 18 from the Maricopa Youth Advocate Program visited Luke Aug. 13 as part of the first youth advocate tour sponsored by the 56th Security Forces. It was an opportunity for the teenagers to be exposed to an Air Force base and the culture of the military. It was by coincidence that this day came to be, according to Connie Ali, 56th Security Forces police services and community policing. "Our commander (Maj. Mike Borders, Security Forces commander) wanted to see what could be done to reach out to people outside of the Luke community," she said. "As I got to know my son's basketball coach, I found out she was the director of the Maricopa County Advocate Program. We agreed that it would benefit the youth in the program to come to Luke, so the Youth Advocate Tour was born." Upon arriving at the conference room in the SFS building, the youth were welcomed by Major Borders. He urged them to listen carefully to the speakers about what the Air Force has to offer. "The Air Force offers many great opportunities, including an opportunity to see the world," he said. "There are numerous educational benefits such as the Community College of the Air Force and bachelor's and master's degree programs." Major Borders was followed by Air Force recruiter, Staff Sgt. Richard Cordova who reiterated what the commander said by stressing that the Air Force can teach a person valuable job skills, a chance to serve one's country and provide many outlets to pursue an education. "We want to open a new world to you," Sergeant Cordova said. "If you take advantage of the opportunities, the sky is the limit. I want to stress that anything that is easy, isn't worth getting. The Air Force holds it members to a higher standard." Capt. L.D. Harper, SFS deputy commander and Master Sgt. Scott Harris, SFS first sergeant, welcomed the guests and said they were available to answer any questions about the Air Force and urged the youth to keep in touch with them. It was now time to get a feel for the many jobs that security forces is tasked with. A vital part of what they do is training dogs to detect explosives or drugs, so why not a tour of the kennels and a K-9 demonstration. Staff Sgts. Phillip Kittelson and John Pillarella, 56th SFS military working dog trainers, conducted the tour and demonstration, which was highlighted by patrol dog training. This tour was followed by tour of combat arms training facility. Staff Sgt. Matthew Buchan, 56th SFS combat arms training instructor, gave the youth the opportunity to see and hold the various combat weapons, which included the M9 pistol, M16-A2 rifle, M4, MA70 modular shotgun, M249 and M240-B. The day spent at security forces, while offering a different experience to the youth, is part of a much larger picture for them. This type of event is part of what the program director for the Maricopa County Advocate Program calls, encompassing the whole person. Annette Mabry, Maricopa County Advocate Program director, said the youth advocate program includes every aspect of the child's life. The Maricopa County Advocate Program is part of Youth Advocate Programs, Inc., which operates 125 programs serving 75 counties in 15 states and the District of Columbia. "The people we take into our program are ages, 12 to 19, and are referred to us by juvenile and adult probation, as well as juvenile parole. They are court ordered to be in this program," Ms. Mabry said. "We are a no reject program. My principle goal when they first come to us is to provide these youth with skills to cope with life situations. Once someone learns how to handle the various problems life throws at them, there is a much better chance that they won't be back in the justice system." More than that, "We are a community based program," Ms. Mabry said. "A child doesn't live in a vacuum. He or she is affected by their family situation, as well as their surroundings. "We work with the family. If a parent is out of a job, we work to find that parent a job, or if someone in the family needs health care, we work with different agencies to get the healthcare needed. "When we have our first contact with them, many of the children don't know life beyond their block. One of our principle goals is to expose them to sporting events, plays, concerts, etc. We want to convince them there is a better life out there, and they can be part of it if they are willing to work for it. It is so vital not only to give these youth the tools for success, but to show them how to use them." When the teenagers leave the Maricopa County Advocate Program, they are either attending classes or they have a job. Also, they have a library card and if eligible, a state identification card. "A lot of the people who go through the program have never been to a library and have no idea of all the information that is available to them," Ms. Mabry said. The most rewarding aspect of this program is that nearly three fourths of the youth that come through here don't go back into the justice system, she said. As with any program of this type, mentors are a profound part of its success. They spend two to five days weekly with their child. "We have trouble finding mentors. We want people who are willing to spend eight to 22 hours per week with their child. It is challenging, but rewarding," Ms. Mabry said. Brian Oldham, who retired from the Air Force in 2005, is Anthony's mentor said he enjoys working with youth and that being a mentor is worthwhile and rewarding. Justin, 16, one of the youth in attendance, said the day opened his eyes. "I need structure in my life, and the military would provide it," he said. "I turn 17 Sept. 26, so I plan to contact a recruiter to see what my options are. I have my GED (general equivalency diploma) and plan to enroll in a junior college. I am interested in the Air Force." Not only that, Anthony, 18, said that he planned to contact a recruiter immediately. For more information or if interested in becoming a mentor, call Annette Mabry at the Maricopa County Youth Advocate Program at (623) 939-5757 or e-mail amabry@yapinc.org