Mentoring Month brings out role models Published Jan. 23, 2004 By Karen Abeyasekere 100th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE MILDENHALL, England (AFPN) -- Most people know how hard it can be to take time, especially quality time, to spend with their children.But finding time in a busy schedule to spend with other people’s children takes dedication -- the dedication given to children by adults who choose to be their mentors.January is National Mentoring Month and people here are among those who mentor at Department of Defense Schools.“The Mentoring Program started here four years ago as part of our school improvement plan,” said Mark Solomon, Feltwell Elementary School reading specialist. “We belong to the National Mentoring Program, the national organization for mentoring, and we decided to start the program here to get the community more involved.”Mentors are both active-duty and civilian members, some are parents of children at DoDDs schools, while others are not connected to the schools, said Mr. Solomon, adding there are currently 36 mentors.Being a mentor involves listening, teaching, helping and being a friend, said Alicia Huntley, 100th Civil Engineer Squadron environmental program manager, and mentor of a fourth grade student at FES.“Mentoring means being there for someone who needs comfort or guidance and being someone to laugh with,” Ms. Huntley said.“I spend an hour or so with (my student) each week and we spend part of the time just talking, laughing and learning about each other,” she said, adding the rest of the time is spent on homework, reading and playing games. “We’ve become really great friends through our time together.”The children are referred to the program by teachers, counselors and principals, for mainly social reasons, Mr. Solomon said.“They just need someone else in their lives giving them some positive attention.”Mentors provide one-on-one interaction with students who may have difficulty with their studies or social interactions, or are shy and have trouble making friends, said 1st Lt. Troy Townsend, 100th Operations Group executive officer.“We’re also there for those who may be too energetic and need to know what constitutes appropriate behavior,” Lieutenant Townsend said.Lieutenant Townsend is mentor to a third-grade student at FES and has personal reasons for being a mentor. “I’ve found that children are genuinely appreciative of the time you spend with them,” he said. “Also, both my parents were teachers before they retired, so I guess it runs in the family.”He advises those thinking of becoming a mentor to stay committed to the program.“The students really look forward to spending time with their mentors and they count on you being there every week -- if you don’t make it out to see them, you let them down and it makes it more difficult for them to trust you,” Lieutenant Townsend said.As well as giving time and trust to children and gaining a new friend, being a mentor can be very rewarding experience for the mentor.“What better way to give back to your community?” said 2nd Lt. Raquel Cummins, 100th Communication Squadron mission system flight deputy commander, and mentor to an FES third-grade student.“The kids are great and just knowing you’re helping someone else is reward enough,” she said.