Scott members mentor youth in detention center Published May 29, 2013 By Senior Airman Jake Eckhardt 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- Nearly 71,000 youth between the ages of 10-18 are sitting in America's juvenile detention centers--20 of them at the Haller House Madison County Detention Center in Edwardsville, Ill. In an effort to reach out to these youth, servicemembers from Scott Air Force Base, such as Master Sgt. Kevin Butler, volunteer their time to mentor them and bring a positive message. "I saw some individuals who needed my help, and because we have similar backgrounds, I felt like we'd be able to connect," said Butler, who works with the 618th Air and Space Operations Center. According to the volunteer mentor program director for the center, Senior Master Sgt. Ryan Gause, most of the youth are having trouble at home, or at school. Some are in alternative schools, some are chronically truant and some are trying to get their GED. Some are accused of a range of offenses, such as shoplifting, domestic battery and even murder. Gause, who works at Air Mobility Command headquarters, began directing the volunteer program two years ago and initially it was only open to security forces personnel, but has since opened it up to people throughout the base to volunteer. "We are just trying to teach [the youth] that people from all walks of life can make positive decisions and become productive adults. Most are just troubled and they need a positive role model to help them make the right decisions." During a May 22 visit, Butler, along with Army Capt. Tony Zucca, U.S. Transportation Command, and Airman 1st Class Joanne Griffin, U.S. Air Force Band of Mid-America vocalist, shared their own personal stories about overcoming negative experiences and then answered questions about their jobs, goals and their own mentors. Butler said, "I plan on volunteering as often and frequent as possible. I feel like it's my duty to help them."