Visit helps schools help Scott students Published Jan. 25, 2007 By Christi Spargur 375 Airlift Wing Public Affairs 25/01/07 -- Twenty-five local school superintendents got an eye-opening lesson about the mission and people of Joint Total Force Scott Jan. 19 when Col. Al Hunt, 375th Airlift Wing commander, hosted a base visit for them. The visit included lunch with wing senior leaders, a Tanker Airlift Control Center 101 briefing and an overview of the services and programs provided by the Airman and Family Readiness Center. "There needs to be awareness about the unique challenges our kids face and, as a result, how they may need a little different treatment at school," said Colonel Hunt. "We're not asking for special treatment for our kids, just a common understanding of what they experience being a part of a military family. "The reason why we had you come out today was to spread the word and rally for your support," said Colonel Hunt. The highlight of the base visit was an informal discussion between the superintendents, wing senior leadership, and six military parents about deployments and the impacts on school-aged children. Tech. Sgt Brad Sanker, 375th Logistics Readiness Squadron, was one of the six parents who participated. "When I deployed, Scott Elementary School did an outstanding job taking care of my older son. "They allowed my son to take phone calls from me privately in the principal's office," said Sergeant Sanker. "I also got to talk to him through e-mails with his teacher's help. With the time difference between where I was and here, being able to communicate this way made a big difference." Sergeant Sanker also thanked the school for providing a complete set of books his son could keep at home. My son has a hard time remembering to bring his books home, said Sergeant Sanker, having an extra set helped him get his homework done. Responding to Sergeant Sanker's remark, Sue Hoffman, superintendent of High Mount School District 116, said it's easy most of the time for schools to do little things like this but added some military parents don't tell their schools what they need. "Parents should not be afraid to ask for help. Schools can't give (help) if they don't," she said. Among the 25 visiting school superintendents, only two had prior military service. One was Russell Clover, superintendent of O'Fallon High School District 203. "I've been on the base many times," said Mr. Clover, "so this is not new to me. "Some of these school superintendents have never been on base and haven't had that awareness," said Mr. Clover. "That awareness has been brought to them today and, I think, it is going to benefit military students in the entire area. "The superintendents just got a taste of what the military has to do," said Mr. Clover, "and that's going to help build relationships tremendously. This visit was a great, great idea." At the conclusion of the base visit, Georgia Costello with St. Clair County's Regional Office of Education said, "Every time I come here, it simply overwhelms me to see all that goes on. "You [Scott's service men and women] strengthen our communities and our schools," said Mrs. Costello. Speaking on behalf of the superintendents, she said, "We are indebted to you and will work very hard to make life as comfortable as it can be for you and your families."