McConnell's big day

First Lt. Adria Trgovcich, 350th Air Refueling Squadron navigator, interacts with her mentee during the annual “Big for a Day” event, Aug. 6, 2015, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The event was an opportunity for McConnell Airmen to spend time with and mentor children from the local community. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tara Fadenrecht)

McConnell's big day

Staff Sgt. Jacob Butitta, 22nd Civil Engineer Squadron fire protection crew chief, places a helmet on a child during the annual “Big for a Day” event, Aug. 6, 2015, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The event allowed children from the local community to learn about different jobs in the Air Force and spend time with McConnell Airmen. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tara Fadenrecht)

McConnell's big day

Members of the 22nd Security Forces Squadron demonstrate how military working dogs can be used to apprehend adversaries, Aug. 6, 2015, at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan. The demonstration was part of “Big for a Day,” an event in which McConnell Airmen spent time with and taught children from the local community about different jobs in the Air Force. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Tara Fadenrecht)

McConnell's 'big' day

Published Aug. 7, 2015
By 2nd Lt Krystal Jimenez
22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. -- More than 50 McConnell Airmen dedicated a day to 60 children from the Sedgewick County Big Brothers Big Sisters program Aug. 6.

"Big for a Day" brought a variety of different Air Force specialty codes and pay grades together in support of a higher calling, to mentor the youth of Sedgewick and Butler Counties.

"When I got to Wichita [Kansas] I wanted to jump into the program," said 1st Lt. Nathan Thibault, 349th Air Refueling Squadron navigator. "That way I had the opportunity to not only provide insight and lessons learned to a little but at the same time I learn so much from them too. They keep me on my toes, they keep me honest and it's just as rewarding for me as it is for them."

Alicia Rivas, BBBS program director stated that the BBBS program has been partnered with McConnell for more than 40 years and together they have been doing the "Big" for a Day event for more than 20 years.

"A lot of these kids don't have 'bigs' and they are in our program for a reason so they don't have a positive role model in their life," Rivas said. "This gives them a day to have fun and have somebody to look up to and talk with."

This year's "Big" for a Day event consisted of a military working dog demo and tables hosted by the explosive ordinance unit, fire department, medical staff and aircrew flight equipment to illustrate the 22nd Air Refueling Wing's mission and the many components needed to accomplish day-to-day tasks.

"A lot of times when you are a kid you may not understand what all the military does," said Airman 1st Class Chris Lore, 22nd Communication Squadron communications security accountant. "All you see is what they show on TV such as going to war, but you don't understand as a child what we do on a daily basis and I think it's important for them to see that aspect."

After lunch, children were given one-on-one time with their "Big" to get some more personal mentorship time in. Activities included bowling, eating pizza and playing games in the base gymnasium.

"We work a lot with McConnell, we appreciate all the support we get from the base, from the staff to leadership and they all do a wonderful job to make it fun for these kids." said Rivas.