Volunteer program aims to go Air Force-wide

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward
  • 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. (AFNS) --  What started off as a desire to volunteer at a local hospital now has the potential to spread Air Force-wide. 

Staff Sgt. Jewell Hicks Jr., an executive communications support Airman with the 375th Communications Squadron here, began Airmen for Children in July. The program encourages Scott Air Force Base personnel to visit children who are in Ranken Jordan, a pediatric specialty hospital located in the St. Louis suburb of Maryland Heights, Mo. 

Volunteers make books with the children, play games and do other activities to take the children's minds off of their illnesses.

When Airmen for Children began, Sergeant Hicks set a few goals for participants. They were to present a positive military image in the St. Louis community, organize a back-to-school supply drive for the hospital, interact and make a difference with as many children as possible and spread Airmen for Children to other military installations. He's currently working with Airmen at Minot Air Force Base, N.D., and Lackland AFB, Texas.

"I had high hopes for Airmen for Children since the beginning," Sergeant Hicks said. "But the response that I've received thus far has been overwhelming. I've received a lot of positive feedback and have been able to accomplish goals for the program a lot sooner than I expected."

Some goals that Sergeant Hicks still wants to meet are to spread Airmen for Children to at least 30 percent of Air Force bases stateside by the end of the year and to plan a Christmas toy drive for all St. Louis-area children's hospitals.

"I may be aiming high, but if I fall a little short I will still consider it a success," Sergeant Hicks said.

Airmen for Children volunteers visit Ranken Jordan about twice a month for an hour. The hospital has 34 rooms with children ranging from 2 weeks old to 18 years old.

"My favorite part has and always will be the children," Sergeant Hicks said. "The children have grown accustomed to us, and they really look forward to all of our visits. That is a responsibility I cherish. I enjoy them as much as they enjoy me on my visits."

The hospital opened in 1941 and moved to its new location four years ago. It serves children who are too sick to go home but no longer need to be in a hospital, said Brett Moorehouse, Ranken Jordan vice president.

"When you think of a [children's] hospital you think of kids just sitting there, and [they] aren't like that," he said. "What Sergeant Hicks is doing, whether he knows it or not, is becoming part of the kids' recovery program.

"Our goal is to get these kids home, and just his presence helps. The fact he is in uniform is also attractive, it lifts the kids' spirits. It also brings more appreciation because he already gives his life for his country. It is just an honor to have him in our building," said Mr. Jordan.

Since July, Sergeant Hicks has brought more than 90 Airmen to Ranken Jordan.

"I like kids. Mine are all grown, so it is nice to be with little kids," said Tech. Sgt. David French, 375th CS client support noncommissioned officer in charge. He has volunteered a few times, and said he loves being among the children, talking about football with them and seeing their smiles. 

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