Photo By 94th Airlift Wing | Hurlburt Field Vincent Airman Leadership School students clear debris at Kenwood Elementary School, Feb. 7, 2026. By assisting with ground maintenance and debris removal, Airmen reinforced the partnership between Hurlburt Field and the local community. (Courtesy Photo) see less
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Commitment to community service: Hurlburt Airmen volunteer at local school
A core tenet of the Vincent Airman Leadership School’s curriculum is giving back to the local community through volunteer efforts. Oftentimes, flights enrolled in the professional military education course work with local schools in the area to assist with projects they have.
From painting classrooms to cleaning school grounds, Airmen attending the Air Force’s required training for new supervisors are fostering a safe and welcoming environment for students in Fort Walton Beach and the surrounding area.
According to Scott Nuss, Elliott Point Elementary School principal, the partnership has a meaningful impact on young students.
“This exemplary behavior shows a combination of character and community service to our young students,” Nuss said. “Our students need to know that your service extends far outside the military base.”
Their work reinforces Hurlburt Field’s commitment to supporting the community and the Air Force’s priority of developing well-rounded Airmen.
“Volunteer efforts from military members allow the school to complete projects that would be challenging due to limited time, staffing, or resources,” Nuss said. “Now more than ever, our budget is stretched thin, so we often have to rely on volunteers to get things done.”
The collaboration has also helped students and families better understand military personnel and their mission at Hurlburt Field.
“I have been working with the school district for over 26 years and there has always been a disconnect with the military and the schools,” said Nuss. “Through regular interactions with service members, students, families and staff gain a clearer sense of what military service looks like beyond uniforms and headlines.”
This partnership not only impacts the local community; it helps forge future leaders.
“Community service projects provide students with a broad range of opportunities to apply leadership, teamwork, problem solving and critical thinking skills outside of the classroom,” said the Hurlburt Field ALS Commandant. “This helps reinforce the importance of service, responsibility and connection as foundational traits of effective leaders.”
By showing up for local students, ALS students foster stronger bonds with the community and sharpen leadership skills necessary for future mission success.
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