Shiny new Apples

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Wesley Wright
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The David C. Jones Youth Center recently received six new Apple computers for children to use for homework and fun.

According to Kimberly Sheridan, youth center teen coordinator, the advantages the new computers bring to the youth center are tremendous.

"The Macs are in the schools and youth are familiar with the Apple and its applications," Sheridan said. "Also, with some of the assigned curriculum the Apple is needed for their assignments. These computers add ease of mind for the youth that do not have access at home and need to continue working on assignments. They can now come to the Youth Center where we have two in the School Age Program, two in Open Recreation, and two in the Teen Center."

Getting the computers, however, took quite a bit of leg work from the 5th Force Support Squadron. The squadron pursued a waiver from ACC to acquire Apple computers (standard purchase is a PC). A few months later the Youth Center had seven new Apple computers ... and a bunch of excited kids.

"They (the kids) love them," Sheridan said. "The screens are a whopping 26 inches. The kids love to surf the net, play games called widgets." 

The biggest hit for the kids so far is two applications called "Garage Band" and "iPhoto & Photo Booth." 

"Garage Band is our own little school of rock," Sheridan said. "In addition to the Teen Center's recording studio, this application is also a recording studio, just more compact and much easier to use. Youth wanting to learn about reading and writing music, recording songs, and even learning to play instruments like guitar and piano, here is your chance." 

Acquiring Apple computers was originally a request from youth center parents and Sheridan said following through on the request demonstrates the youth programs' focus on providing the best experience possible for youth. 

"On top of offering such wide array of programming, activities and equipment, we complete our total commitment to providing highly skilled youth development professionals ... their focus, dedication, initiative and selfless service will ensure forward-thinking programs are maintained to keep us ranked as 2009 Best Youth Programs in Air Combat Command."

Col. James M. Gallagher is proud of the accomplishments of the youth center.

"[This shows] that our Youth Center is in touch with the needs of its primary customers," Colonel Gallagher said. "[This demonstrates] the lengths we're willing to go to put available technology into the hands of customers," added, citing the uphill battle of obtaining the purchasing waiver.

With a resume that includes the #1 Youth Center in the Air Force for 2007 and #1 Youth Center in ACC for 2008, the David C. Jones Youth Center here continues to set the standard and lead the way in youth care, education and development.