JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md. –
One young Team Andrews member was recognized as the installation's Youth of the Year during a ceremony at the Family Fest Rodeo here April 20.
Col. William M. Knight, 11th Wing/Joint Base Andrews commander, presented Andrews youth Brandon Shields the award for demonstrating leadership and service in the community and adhering to high moral standards.
"Congratulations Brandon," said Knight. "I am so proud of you; thank you for all you do."
Shields, a five-year veteran of the youth programs here, played a key role in contributing toward many successful events, said Anne Young, Youth Programs teen director. This year alone he has volunteered for 177 hours.
The high school senior has been involved with organizing and distributing donations collected for the program's annual holiday food drive. He created the vision for the Keystone National Project focusing on the importance of education among teens. He developed, carried out and emceed the New Year's Fashion Show and clothing donation drive, which collected more than 500 articles of clothing donated to a teen shelter in the D.C. area. He even set up classes to teach youth center and community members how to use the video chat feature allowing people to see their deployed loved ones.
Additionally, he played a critical role in developing the Walk, Run, Roll for wounded warriors; a 5k event to raise awareness, support and monetary funds donated to The Yellow Ribbon Fund.
"I feel passionately about supporting military families any way I can," said Shields. Showing our support for injured service members and their families is absolutely necessary for what they have endured for us."
Shields grew up with a life of service. His mother is currently a master sergeant in the Air Force and his father is a retired Marine. His family moved across the United States and overseas four times during his life and endured six deployments throughout the years.
"It can be hard when you have to leave friends, co-workers and people you meet along the way, but I look at the fact that I will also meet new people," said Shields. "It's a blessing to be able to support both of my parents."
Shield's aim is to achieve his goal of graduating from Virginia Commonwealth University with a degree in graphic design.
Being selected as the base Youth of the Year means Shields will compete state level at the Naval Academy May 11. Each state winner may have the opportunity to compete regionally. This year six military youth will have the opportunity to compete at the national level.
"I feel very blessed to have won youth of the year at Joint Base Andrews," said Shields. "It's like all my hard work and dedication paid off."