McConnell bowls for Big Brothers Big Sisters

  • Published
  • By Airman Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  McConnell Air Force Base, one of Kansas' biggest contributors to Big Brothers Big Sisters, led a community event at the Tornado Alley bowling center here May 14 to help support the org.

For the past four years, Bowl for Kid's Sake, a Big Brothers Big Sisters program, has been spearheaded by the 349th Air Refueling Squadron to raise funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters. Bowl for Kid's Sake is sponsored at other Air Force bases and bowling alleys throughout the country.

Eighteen teams of six gathered contributions from friends and families on base and in the surrounding communities for weeks prior to the event. These teams "earned" the funds by bowling all day May 14. Col. James Crowhurst 22nd Air Refueling Wing commander, and several community leaders kicked off the event by bowling the first frame.

Bowl for Kids' Sake is just one venue McConnell Airmen use to support Big Brothers Big Sisters Airmen participate as "Bigs" for Big Brothers and Big Sisters.

"McConnell provides 'Bigs' for the local community because there are always kids out there that need mentors and they look up to the military," said Capt. Kyle Dinwiddie, 349th ARS executive officer. "By hosting this event, McConnell provides Big Brothers Big Sisters the ability to match 'Bigs' with 'Littles' throughout the year and keep the organization running."

From last year's event alone contributions raised $16,742 for Big Brothers Big Sisters at McConnell's Bowl for Kids' Sake event.

"The impact that the event has is that it raises money that allows us to mach kids in Sedgwick country with mentors," said Mark Eby, Big Brothers Big Sisters executive coordinator for Sedgwick country. "It takes about $1,000 to make a match and maintain that match meaning we would have 15 to 20 less matches without McConnell participation."

Airmen from McConnell participated in the bowl-a-thon, however, approximately 43 other Team McConnell Airmen mentor "Little" throughout the county. The participation in the bowl-a-thon and the mentoring has lead to recognition outside of Kansas.

"Last year, the White House recognized McConnell's involvement with Big Brothers Big Sisters," said Captain Dinwiddie. "This event is an excellent opportunity to raise money or donate to the cause, especially if you don't have time to be a big brother or sister, and you get to have fun, bowl and have a little competition."

McConnell is supported by the community in many of its events and the mission that McConnell is accomplishing. Bowl for Kids' Sake is a way for McConnell to give back to the community and thank them for their support.

"The Wichita community supports McConnell so much and it's important to show that McConnell supports the community," said Captain Dinwiddie. "This event is one of the many ways that we show that we are committed to the community and it's not just a one way street."

Capt. Caroline Coffey, 22nd Medical Operations Squadron clinical social worker, is a "Big" for Jessica Gegner, Big Brothers Big Sisters "Little." The two have been pared for approximately four years and according to Miss Gegner it's been a positive experience.

"Being in the Air Force, she is great person to look up to and she is a great example to live by," said Gegner. "She helps me out so much because I can tell her my problems and is really nice and open with me."

Supporting the community is part of being a Ready Airmen and Team McConnell has once again given back through one event by gathering approximately $9,900 in contributions. However, McConnell's Airmen continue to support their "Littles" and their community.