Annual picnic reaches out to youth Published June 18, 2008 By Claudia Duncan 375th Airlift Wing Public Affairs SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. -- The Annual Big Brother/Sister picnic was held June 13 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Airman Leadership School Pavilion, followed by a fun day of swimming at the fitness center pool. The Air Mobility Command Intelligence Squadron was the sponsor of this annual event. The children, from the Southwestern Illinois chapter of BBS, were transported to the picnic site, where they were greeted by volunteers who played games and interacted with the children. After lunch and a social hour, they were escorted to the base pool for the rest of the day. "The children brought out today are the kids who are awaiting a Big Brother/Sister," said Ora McNair, Match Support Specialist for the program. Events such as this are designed to allow children on the list to remain involved in other activities and to let them know they are not forgotten. She added that there are currently 173 children in the Southwestern region awaiting a mentor. Quinlan Johnson, 13 years old, said he has been on the waiting list for about four months. He is looking for someone to be a role model for him, someone who he can hang out with and have fun. Brother and sister Jeremy and Jasmine Bradley have been on the waiting list for two years. In spite of the dreary weather, they both said they had a great time. Both want a Big Brother/Sister who they can hang out with and have fun. 1st Lt. Josh Stockham, Air Force Communications Agency, has volunteered for the event for two years and said the reason is to make sure the kids have a good time while on base. This is the AMC Intelligence Squadron 3rd year putting on this event. Funding for the event is financed though the Squadron Booster Club. For more information about the program or to become a Big Brother/Sister, contact Barbara Cempura at 398-3162.