ANDREWS AFB, Md. –
The Drug Education For Youth program is currently seeking applications from Team Andrews military personnel and DoD civilians to serve as mentors for the 2009 DEFY program here in July.
"We are offering mentors the chance of a lifetime - the opportunity to directly impact military children's lives and encourage and empower them to stay away from drugs and live a clean, healthy life," said Personnel Specialist 1st Class Christopher Bell, DEFY Program Public Affairs officer and Personnel Support Detachment-Washington personnel specialist. "This is a chance to work with our base's youth and help steer them onto the right path before outside influences get to them."
DEFY's mission is to address problems faced by today's youth, including violence, drug use, and dropping out of school to military children ages nine through 12.
"There are a lot of studies out there that show how reaching out to this age range - specifically before adolescence - is crucial to drug abuse prevention in their lives," Petty Officer 1st Class Bell said. "Through the relationships that our DEFY mentors build with these kids, you'll help reinforce positive values, you'll teach important life skills, and you'll help youth learn to resist drugs and alcohol. DEFY gives children at Andrews the opportunity to learn about themselves, their peers, the dangers of drugs and their pitfalls - and through your mentorship, you'll learn about yourself in the process."
"This is an incredible outreach program to younger kids," said Store Keeper 1st Class Roma Desai, VR-53 Fleet Logistics Support Squadron and DEFY application administrator. "What we're doing through the DEFY program is shaping the youth of our base to better this country, to be better adolescents, and to be better leaders - both for the Andrews community and our country. As mentors, we give them information, help guide them and they look up to us."
Mentorship applicants will undergo a background investigation and once selected will complete a training course. The Phase I Camp will be held on base, Jul. 13 through July 16 and July 20 through July 23. The Phase II Camp requires mentors to maintain contact with their young protégés which is achieved throughout the 2009 and 2010 school year.
Petty Officer 1st Class Bell said commitment and dedication to the program and the youth are essential.
"We're not looking for people who are looking to fill a box for their performance reports," Petty Officer 1st Class Bell said. "Kids can see right through that hypocrisy. We're looking for genuine people who can make the commitment to the program and to the children. That's a key characteristic of our model mentor."
"The success of this program depends on the dedication from our DEFY volunteers," Petty Officer 1st Class Desai said. "The DEFY program shouldn't be looked at by our mentors as some activity and a way to get out of the office, but rather it is a commitment - a commitment to our youth and the community."
"The DEFY program is one which has cross-service appeal, regardless of branch of service or rank, to serve as mentors," Petty Officer 1st Class Bell said. "It's an opportunity for Team Andrews service members to come together as a true team and build up our military youth's self-image and self-esteem."
Those interested in participating in DEFY should contact Petty Officer 1st Class Desai for applications at 240-857-2065. Applications are due Apr. 30.