JOINT BASE CHARLESTON, S.C. –
Members of Joint Base Charleston, South Carolina, hosted the inaugural Mentorship Drive, which connected Airmen and individuals from the Charleston community, June 28, at the Charleston Club.
The drive is an opportunity for military members and government civilians to partner with local organizations and provide mentorship to young community members. Airmen, civilians, base leadership and community leaders were all in attendance.
John Tecklenburg, the Mayor of Charleston, delivered a speech regarding mentorship and the importance of uniformed members being leaders to the youth.
“Nobody is equipped better to give young people in this country the opportunity to see leadership skills than the men and women that serve this country,” said Tecklenburg.
Organizations participating in the drive included:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Lowcountry
- Boys with a Purpose
- Be a Mentor
- Charleston HOPE
- Charleston Youth Leadership Council
- City Recreation
- Communities in Schools
- Distinguished Gentlemen’s Club – Lowcountry Youth Services
- Kids on Point
- R3, INC
- Youth Empowerment Services
- Youth Volunteer Corps
- Redemption and Prosperity
Col. Marc Greene, the Joint Base Charleston commander, provided insight on leadership and how every Airman is a mentor.
“Oftentimes Airmen are used to being led, but the truth is they are natural leaders themselves,” said Greene. “More importantly they have the opportunity to lead those behind us.”
For more resources on mentorship in the Air Force, download the Air Force Mentorship Handbook at: https://static.e-publishing.af.mil/production/1/af_a1/publication/afh36-2643/afh36-2643.pdf