349th Air Refueling Squadron presents scholarships

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Chris Wuerthner
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  Lt. Col. Michael R. Seiler, 349th Air Refueling Squadron commander, presented scholarships to seven students during a ceremony here on Aug. 14. The seven youngsters participate in the Kansas Big Brothers/Big Sisters program. 

"It matches boys and girls with a mentor. The children really benefit from the interactions with their big brothers and big sisters, from having a mentor in their lives," said Capt. Shabbir Hasan, Assistant Director of Operations, 349th ARS. 

Each little, as they are known in the program, stepped onto the stage in the 349th ARS auditorium to receive his or her Bandit Scholarship, in the form of gift cards for buying school supplies and paying school fees. Standing beside many of the littles were their bigs, Airmen from the 349th ARS who volunteer their time to Big Brothers/Big Sisters. 

"Our squadron, as a whole, sponsors the littles, but our ultimate goal is putting our support behind our Airmen in their volunteer efforts," said Capt Hasan. 

After the scholarship presentation the littles and bigs toured a KC-135R Stratotanker on the McConnell flightline. Staff Sgt John McIlvoy and 1st Lt. Amy Pitcher, both assigned to the 349th ARS led the tour and answered questions. 

One of the littles, Keoandra O'Neal was surprised to learn 1st Lt. Pitcher was a KC-135R Stratotanker pilot. She didn't think there were women pilots in the Air Force. 

"She was completely amazed that I landed planes," said 1st Lt. Pitcher 

O'Neal spent time talking with the escorts and because of the experience she is thinking about joining the Air Force. 

"It's inspiring her to do well in school," said 1st Lt. Pitcher. 

After they finished the tour, some of the littles and bigs went off-base to buy school supplies. The scholarship presentation was the third collaboration this year between the Airmen of the 349th ARS and the Big Brother/Big Sister program.