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Making a difference: Major volunteers with Big Brothers Big Sisters

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Megan Friedl
  • 375th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  The Air Force encourages Airmen to be well rounded and to give back to the local community.

One volunteer opportunity that some Airmen take advantage of is mentoring children.
For Maj. Robert Surrey, Air Force Installation Contracting Agency contracting officer, deciding to become a mentor was a chance for him to do more than just meet the minimum standards of volunteering. He decided to make a big difference in a child's life, for the better.

Surrey has been involved as a "big brother" in Big Brothers Big Sisters, or BBBS, for more than two years.

He previously volunteered at a teen club when he was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, but when he moved to Scott, he began looking for a more one-on-one experience for him to have with a child.

According to BBBS, before a match is made, an interested adult must go through a background check and careful interview process. Then they match "Bigs" and "Littles" based on location, personalities and preferences to form long-term, one-to-one friendships. They will provide professional support for the volunteers, children and families throughout the life of the match.

Brian Kalaghe, Surrey's "little brother," who is 14 years old, said, "We have so much in common, it's almost like we're the same person."

According to the duo, through spending time together they have developed a trusted relationship.

"Some of our favorite activities are eating, competing in sports, watching movies and playing games at Dave and Busters," said Brian.

The BBBS program provides resources that give volunteers a chance to participate in community activities for free or at reduced costs. This encourages "Bigs" and "Littles" to spend more time together without having to spend more money.

As a single mother of two, Agnesta Kalaghe appreciates Surrey as Brian's big brother.
Kalaghe said, "My son now has a male mentor to talk to about topics I can't as a woman."

Surrey said he believes Brian is comfortable talking to him about anything.

"I am always looking for teaching moments to share with Brian, whether it is just about music, or learning respect for women," said Surrey. "The teaching moments come without even looking for them."

Surrey does have some prior experience with mentoring and teaching children. He has five children of his own that he also raises.

Not only does Brian benefit from the match, but Surrey finds it to be very educating and rewarding himself.

Surrey said, "I am kept accountable for all of my actions on and off duty. It keeps me in check by reminding me of who I am to them, and that I am always being watched."

When Surrey was a young Airman, he said he learned how to lead and mentor from his supervisors.

After 20 years of service with the Air Force he is teaching the lessons he has learned throughout his career to Brian, such as the Air Force core values that can be applied every day.