NEWBURGH, N.Y. (Jan. 31, 2018) – The 105th Airlift Wing hosted more than two dozen students from Newburgh Prep Charter School at Stewart Air National Guard base Jan. 31, 2018 for a day of community and mentorship.
Newburgh Prep specializes in teaching methods designed to graduate students who have lacked success in traditional teaching environments.
The high school students heard Airmen from across the base discuss the diverse roles of the different shops and offices, toured a C-17 Globemaster III, and each student teamed up with an Airmen to identify their weakness and made a plan of action to graduate.
The day was an introduction for the community and the 105th to Believe It Or Not I Care, a foundation started by Col. Marlon Crook, commander of the 105th Mission Support Group.
Crook started the foundation in Baltimore Maryland when he was stationed in the area and brought the program with him.
“This is a great opportunity to foster lasting relationships with the youth in our community,” Crook said.
The goal of the foundation is to connect Airmen, private industry, and local and states agencies in order to bring resources to areas in need.
Airmen from the 105th will continue to meet with the students to provide mentorship to help the kids succeed in high school and beyond.
“A few hours spent with them can pique their interests and open their eyes to new opportunities,” Crook said.