Gunfighter teen receives national award

Emily Stephens receives the 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader Award at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Youth Center Nov. 7, 2013. Stephens is one of 25 nominees nationwide to receive this leadership award because of her dependability and dedication to keeping youth on the path to achieve great futures. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch/Released)

Gunfighter teen receives national award

From left to right, Chartelle Eichman, 366th Force Support Squadron Youth Center director, Emily Stephens and Vanessa Gil, 366th FSS child and youth program assistant, hold a $20,000 check after Stephens was awarded the 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader Award at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, Youth Center Nov. 7, 2013. The grant will give MHAFB YC the opportunity to increase the video and graphic design equipment to provide valuable skills and opportunities for base youth. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Roy Lynch/Released)

Gunfighter teen receives national award

Published Dec. 12, 2013
By Staff Sgt Roy Lynch
366th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

MOUNTAIN HOME AIR FORCE BASE, Idaho -- One 18-year-old Gunfighter is garnering national attention for her volunteering and leadership while raising $20,000 for the MHAFB Youth Center.

For her achievement, Emily Stephens received the 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader Award Nov. 7, 2013.

Stephens is one of 25 nationwide nominees for the leadership award, she was chosen for dependability and dedication to keeping youth on the path to achieve great futures.

"The award highlights the contributions, effort and support a young teen can provide to her community, peers and program," said Chartelle Eichman, 366th Force Support Squadron Youth Center director. "Emily's dedication to her family and community shows how selfless a teen can be."

Stephens began volunteering her sophomore year of high school in hopes to win a college scholarship. However, it soon snowballed into a passion which helped her become president of two teen programs: the Military Brats Rejecting Alcohol, Tobacco, Tolerance Zero and Training Responsible Adolescents in Leadership.

Stephens was surprised with the number of accomplishments she had achieved.

"It was a complete shock," said Stephens. "I feel happy giving back even more to my club."

Stephens was stationed here as a young child, and remembers playing sports and being a part of the Youth Center then.

"Now I get to spend my teen years here and give back to the next generation," said Stephens.

Not only did Stephens receive the 2013 Maytag Dependable Leader Award, but she was also recognized as the 2013 Air Force Youth of the Year.

"Emily is one of the most gracious teens I have had the opportunity to know," said Eichman.

The Youth Center plans on using the one-time $20,000 grant to increase the Youth Center's video and graphic design equipment, providing valuable skills and opportunities for base youth.

Stephens' lists of achievements include; president of both BRATTZ and TRAIL, volunteering for community projects like food drives, assisting the elderly and several big events including Air Force Appreciation Day. Stephens served as summer school-age assistant, chaperoned weekly trips, and assisted with weekly and hourly driven programs consisting of many educational needs. Finally she led social recreational activities like ski trips and tubing.