Security forces work with troubled teens

  • Published
  • By Ashley M. Wright
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. (AFNS) --  The 325th Security Forces Squadron continued its mission to mentor teenagers that are trying to make a positive pivot in their lives.

"Cops, at this point to them, have been the enemy, but we are not judging them, we are here to help and mentor," said Staff Sgt. Hannah Havenar, 325th SFS Resource Protection NCO in charge who runs the program.

Twelve members of the Twin Oaks Juvenile Education Program recently toured Tyndall. The Twin Oaks program provides troubled youth the chance to change their lives from the path of a habitual offender to that of a successful, productive, law-abiding citizen. The squadron has spent the past five years working with Twin Oaks.

"It is a great experience to interact with security forces," said Tracy Warner, Twin Oaks activities coordinator. "I think [security forces] do a great job of supporting us. It gives the kids a role model."

During the bus ride to the tour stops and during lunch, security forces members talked with the teenagers about their future and about how to turn their lives around. The tour included visiting the security forces building, the fire station, the altitude chamber, 325th Operations Support Squadron aircrew flight equipment and watching a military working dog demonstration.

"The kids really enjoyed and really liked the dogs," Mr. Warner said.

Security forces squadron members also visit the Twin Oaks facility, which is more than an hour away from the base throughout the year and finds other avenues such as beach runs and picnics to remain a positive force in their lives, said Havenar.

"The best part is getting to know their story and letting them know that they have done bad stuff, but don't have to continue down that path," Havenar said. "It is a really rewarding program to be a part of."