Bold Tigers bring hope

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Lauren-Taylor Levin
  • 366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho --  This past summer, members of the 391st Fighter Squadron invited more than 20 disabled individuals from the Community Partnership of Idaho to tour their facilities and meet with airmen for a day.

Capt. Adam Huffman, 366th Operation Squadron executive officer, intended the visit to promote a positive lifestyle for the participants by letting them see they can achieve goals they set out to accomplish.

“Being able to give these children a positive look at life so that they can realize, there is hope, there is a chance for their future and there are opportunities they can go out and achieve with their disabilities is what makes this rewarding for all of us here at the 391st FS,” said Huffman.

Huffman organized the tour with the help of Capt. Justin Dickinson and Capt. Whitney Pratt, 391st Fighter Squadron weapons systems officers.

Volunteers organized games and activities modified to fit each individuals needs that allowed hands-on interaction and learning about the jets, flight suits and equipment.

Aircrew joined the participants at lunch, offering fellowship and answering questions.

“It made me feel great. As a military spouse I have a son with autism and being able to bring both of these communities together was a great thing,” said Hazel Huffman, wife of Capt. Adam Huffman. “Especially to see the interaction between military members and individuals with disabilities, it was a gift to everyone and everyone learned something.”

The 391st FS was nominated for the Opening Doors Award for their dedication to helping individuals with disabilities. While the squadron was not selected as the award recipient this year, they were honored with a certificate during a luncheon ceremony on Oct. 6 at Boise State University.

This year marks the 5th year for these awards, given out during the Idaho Partnerships Conference on Human Services. More than 540 attendees recognized the achievements of this year's 17 nominees.

“To see people step-up to help other people is what makes me proud to work in this squadron,” said Lt. Col. Joel Pauls 391st Fighter Squadron commander. “It’s nice to be able to see young airmen develop and expose them to helping individuals in their community, overall it’s just a rewarding experience.”