597th Transportation Terminal Group develops volunteer program in two local schools

FORT EUSTIS, Va. (USTNCS) --- The 597th Transportation Terminal Group at Sunny Point, N.C. has a special bond with two schools in their community.

"Many volunteers from Sunny Point want to give something back to the community. Volunteering in the schools is one of the many ways to provide a positive environment," said Beverly Brown, a 597th Transportation Terminal Group employee who initiated her command's involvement with "Communities in Schools of North Carolina", a statewide program.

South Brunswick High School and Brunswick Learning Center have been officially adopted by employees who volunteer to tutor students in grades six through 12 using the "Great Leaps Reading Program."

"Great Leaps" is an individual reading program for students of all ages. The program is designed to supplement phrases, humorous and adventurous stories in one-on-one instructional settings.

North Carolina results have shown the program increased reading and comprehension skills in ten minutes or less each day.

The importance of Great Leaps is exemplified through the charted progress each student experiences from these sessions.

This year, two 4-person teams entered the tutoring program, due to its success.

Four days a week, a tutor spent one hour reading and talking with assigned students. Some interesting comments from students and teachers revealed the program helped students to understand assignments and read better.

"It gives me contact with young people. I feel reading is very important and if I can help a child who is having a problem with reading, I am more than happy to do it," said Chuck Shadid, of the equipment division.

"It gives me an opportunity to be with young teens", said Nancy Putnam of the command section. "I enjoy reading, and I'm interested in helping children read and develop a love for reading."

Letters and comments from staff, teachers, and tutors indicated students showed marked improvements in all subjects.

"Many of our tutors from Sunny Point developed a personal, one-on-one relationship with the children," said Beth Bleakney, Mentoring Coordinator for the Brunswick Learning Center. "Sunny Point provided hands in need together with hands that really helped our program. For that teachers, parents, and principals are grateful."

Sunny Point's contract administrator Harriet Benton is no stranger to the school system. Harriet volunteered for a chance to give something back not only to the community but also to South Brunswick High School.

"It's the right thing to do," said Benton. "Taking time to give something to a child that may or may not have the opportunity to be able to read as well as they should is something I didn't mind volunteering to do. I believe each volunteer had something positive to reinforce with the students and it helped ensure a positive environment and a positive image for the students."

"We all have a responsibility to give back to our communities," said Colonel George R. Montgomery, commander, of the 597th Transportation Terminal. They need our people like never before. During the past few months, North Carolina has weathered devastating hurricanes and unusual snowstorms. Sunny Point volunteers responded to the needs created by unusual disasters, as well as other unmet community needs. We are grateful for our volunteers and for all they do." (FROM MILITARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT COMMAND, DEPLOYMENT SUPPORT COMMAND PUBLIC AFFAIRS).