Educating youth on expeditionary endeavors

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jose Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  Minot Air Force Base fifth graders involved in the STARBASE North Dakota program are once again slated to participate in Operation Global Freedom, a project that educates the students about military deployments.

The initiative provides hands-on involvement by giving students the opportunity to create care packages to be mailed directly to deployed service members based out of Minot AFB.

According to Lisa Murphy, director of STARBASE N.D., the project allows students to make a difference in the lives of those who are currently serving in deployed locations.

During the introductory phase of the project, representatives from the Airman and Family Readiness Center meet with students to discuss what it means to be deployed, and the environment those individuals often find themselves in.

Afterward, they engage in exercises to help reinforce the importance of teamwork. This plays an important part in the cooperation necessary to ensure those serving abroad receive the support they need to accomplish their mission.

The students are then given a list of possible items that could be mailed to individuals, which they can take home to their parents to see if they can support through donations. However, regardless if the students can donate, they all get to write notes of appreciation, which are included in the packages.

Items shipped overseas range from snack foods and toiletries, to practical items like batteries, said Murphy. In conjunction with the A&FRC, STARBASE creates a list of common items military members need and would like to receive.

"The students really get into the project," said Murphy. "They are always excited to give us the items they are donating-- it is apparent they are proud of what they are able to do and the difference they can make as a fifth grader."

There are times, Murphy stated, when tears are brought to her eyes as she reads some of the students' notes of appreciation.

"They are truly thankful and appreciative of the sacrifices military members are making every day for our country as they protect the freedoms we many times take for granted," Murphy said.

Often, Airmen who receive packages overseas will send back letters to the students thanking them for their support and care.

Master Sgt. Matthew Bowley, 5th Force Support Squadron NCO in charge of the A&FRC, said he was happy to participate in the program.

"This is a great program that is beneficial for everybody, especially the kids and the deployed members," said Bowley. "It gives them a good understanding of the roles these deployed members have."

Overall, the program has had a positive reception since its first year of initiation in 2009. Administrators, teachers and parents of STARBASE students have been actively engaged in making this project a success, both by donating to the cause and by spreading the word for support.

"STARBASE N.D., is extremely thankful to the A&FRC and their partnership for this project," said Murphy. "The Airmen give up their time to talk with the students and are able to give them first-hand experience of deployment. We couldn't do it without their support and the support of community organizations willing to donate funds for the shipping expenses."