Program that began at Scott may go Air Force wide Published Oct. 2, 2008 By Airman 1st Class Amber Kelly-Woodward 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- What started off as a desire to volunteer now has the potential to spread Air Force wide. Staff Sgt. Jewell Hicks Jr., a 375th Communications Squadron executive communications support member, began Airmen for Children, which allows Scott personnel to visit children who are in Ranken Jordan-a pediatric specialty hospital. When Airmen for Children began in July, Sergeant Hicks made a couple of goals: spread Airmen for Children to other military bases and branches, present a positive military image in the St. Louis community, organize a back-to-school supply drive for Ranken Jordan (which was accomplished in collaboration with the Scott Youth Center by raising $750 worth of school supplies) and interact and make a difference with as many children as possible. "I had high hopes for Airmen for Children since the beginning, but the response that I've received thus far has been overwhelming," said Sergeant Hicks. "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 is 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 to be delivered on Christmas Eve. "I may be aiming high, but if I fall a little short I will still consider it a success," said Sergeant Hicks. Airmen for Children visits Ranken Jordan, located in Maryland Heights, Mo., about twice a month for an hour. The hospital has 34 rooms with children ranging from two weeks old to 18 years old. "My favorite part has and always will be the children," said Sergeant Hicks. "The children have grown accustomed to us and they really look forward to all of our visits and that is a responsibility I cherish. I enjoy them as much as they enjoy me on my visits." Volunteers make books with the children, play games and do other various activities to take the children's minds off of their illnesses. "When you think of a kid's hospital, you think of kids just sitting there and kids aren't like that," said Brett Moorehouse, Ranken Jordan vice president. "Ranken Jordan opened four years ago and is a place for children who are too sick to go home, but no longer need to be in a hospital." Ranken Jordan is the only pediatrics specialty hospital in Missouri and it serves three states. Many of the children who are in Ranken Jordan also come from impoverished families. "What Sergeant Hicks is doing, whether he knows it or not, is becoming part of the kids' recovery program," said Mr. Moorehouse. "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 and he drives an hour to come and volunteer. It is just an honor to have him in our building." Since July, Sergeant Hicks has brought several 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 NCOIC, who has volunteered a few times. "It's a great opportunity, I love to see their smiles, talking about football and just being here. Any parent would get a satisfying feeling from doing this. This also helps me because I hope to be a school teacher when I get out." To volunteer, contact Sgt. Hicks at 256-2666 or at airmenforchildren@scott.af.mil.