Youth program thanks Airmen for service

  • Published
  • By Rebecca Amber
  • 412th Test Wing Public Affairs staff writer
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  A group of first and second grade children in the School Age Annex showed their appreciation for the Airman at Edwards AFB, Calif., by hanging a large banner in Bldg. 3000 Aug. 6.

The banner, which read, "Thank you for your service," was hand-painted on canvas and took two days to complete.

"I don't think our military is quite appreciated in the way that they should be," said Robin Auclair, Youth Program assistant.  "Just knowing that [these Airmen] have the support and that we're all standing behind them, I think encourages them to get out there and work harder for us."

Several Airmen noticed the vibrant banner hanging in the building and stopped to visit the children who made it.

"I have a son of my own and it's just nice to know that at their age they can see the importance of what we do and it makes me feel like I can go out into a war zone and actually do what I do, said Staff Sgt. Michael Makela, 412th Force Support Squadron. "It's that security of knowing that I have the full support of everybody on this base especially the youngsters. I think they did a great job [with the banner], I love it. With all my heart I love it."
 
Airman First Class DeAndre Nwannunu, 412th Force Support Squadron, who recently joined Team Edwards, said it's "a true honor" to be a member of the United States Air Force stationed at Edwards AFB. Nwannunu said that the banner showed how "very creative" the children are.

The School Age Annex provides before and after school care to first through sixth grade students. The summer program curriculum includes community service projects, sports, and participation in clubs like 4-H and the Boys and Girls Club.
 
"We want them to be good community leaders," said Auclair, "To teach them that it's not all about them and that there is a bigger picture out there. We teach them to get out there and help out wherever there help is needed. And, wherever we can get out there and say 'thank you,' we will say 'thank you.'"