Grand Forks AFB Defender Recognized for Community Involvement

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Susan L. Davis
  • 319th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  The Grand Forks Optimists' Club held a Respect for the Law Luncheon May 1 recognizing local law enforcement officials in and around the city of Grand Forks, N.D.

On the list of featured names was Staff Sgt. Christopher Giles, 319th Security Forces Squadron, who was recognized for his volunteer work as a member of the Young Men's Christian Association youth mentorship program.

According to the Grand Forks YMCA website, "The YMCA Little Brother/Sister Mentoring Program has a primary mission to nurture the potential of youth and teens, establish positive self-esteem and promote healthy development of all children in the Grand Forks, East Grand Forks and surrounding communities, by providing them with a positive adult role model, friend and mentor."

Volunteers are matched up with a child between the ages of 4 and 17 who is in need of additional support, friendship, and individual attention.

"I really don't do it for the recognition," said Giles. "I just believe that people need to be the change they wish to see in the next generation. Change comes from the bottom-up, not top-down."

The boy Giles mentors is 8 years old, and says he wants to join the military when he grows up, just like his Big Brother.

"Kids really look up to adults and mimic everything we do," said Giles. "I can't believe what a huge impact I've had on his life already."

The program requires a great deal of commitment on the part of the volunteer.

Volunteers must spend a minimum of two hours per week with their Little Brother or Sister for nine months. Volunteers must be 18 or older, with transportation, valid driver's license and current insurance.

For more information or to volunteer for the program, call 701-775-2586 or visit http://www.gfymca.org/youth-development/education-leadership/mentoring.