VAFB brings 'adventure' to at-risk teens Published Jan. 22, 2007 By TSgt M. Davis Public Affairs Vance Air Force Base, Okla. -- At-risk teens got a chance to visit the base Oct. 21 and see how Team Vance flies the straight and narrow. Nine members of the Enid Adventure Program, which targets at-risk youths age 12 to 19, visited various base units to learn about Vance Air Force Base people, the mission and the Air Force. Working with the youths in the program is a great way to contribute to the community, said Army SSG Kevin Webb, 1120th Maintenance Company, who has performed security forces duties at Vance AFB since February 2003. "I looked the program up on the United Way Web site (Helpenid.com)," said Staff Sergeant Webb. "Many of these children have gone astray, and I'm glad to help them." Bringing them to a military base may pique their interest in a career in the armed forces. "We wanted to surround the kids with positive role models," he said. "This might even get them thinking about joining the military and making it a career." The youths visited several base units including security forces, combat arms, the control tower, life support, engine test stand, T-38 hangar and flight simulator. While visiting the life support section, a student was able try on a standard aviator's helmet, mask and parachute. "They got to see where pilots receive their parachutes, helmets and where they test their equipment," said DynCorp Life Support Technician Robert Winn. "Kids are very impressionable. We try to positively motivate them and interest them in looking at the aviation career field in the military and civilian sector." Earnest Hunter, Enid Adventure Program staff member, has worked with children for about seven years and knows how important it is for children to have positive role models in their lives. "I want to give back to the community and possibly inspire them to do better things with their lives," said the former NFL running back for the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. "I think bringing them here to Vance and surrounding them with positive people is good for them." With the death of his father at an early age and his mother working to support the family, Mr. Hunter found himself influenced by the friends he hung out with after school. "Most kids spend half of their lives in school and the other half with their friends," he said. "I've learned that it takes a tribe to raise a child, and if they are hanging out with the wrong crowd, they can easily develop bad habits." Terrance, a 15-year-old member of the Enid Adventure Program, was excited to visit a military installation for the first time. "It was great. I really liked trying on the helmet and parachute," said the ninth grader. "I'm not sure if I want to be a pilot, but I might want to join the service."