SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. -- The Sumter County Sheriff’s Office and the 20th Security Forces Squadron hosted an annual youth conference June 16 to provide mentorship opportunities for local adolescents ages 10 to 18.
The SCSO and 20th SFS welcomed more than 50 local school children to the base to showcase the combined mission of the 20th SFS and local law enforcement.
Throughout the day, visitors had the opportunity to talk to Airmen and Soldiers, as well as view a military working dog demonstration, U.S. Army Central equipment showcase, an F-16CM Fighting Falcon aircraft static display and other events.
“Team Shaw’s portion of this event is aimed at giving adolescents a little peek into the unique jobs we do here on the base,” said Robert Healy, 20th SFS chief of investigations. “Most of them have no military affiliation or insight into the base’s mission.”
SCSO Lt. Petrina Wiley, the conference coordinator, said the effect of the conference was visible on the children’s faces.
“One of the most rewarding things is that we can have face-to-face interactions with our service members,” Wiley said. “To see the attendees smiling and engaging, it’s huge. An impact has been made.”
Wiley also said the partnership gained through years of teamwork strengthens the bond between base and community first responders.
“[The sheriff department has] been working with the base for almost 18 years now,” Wiley said. “It makes a huge difference to be out here with the people that support us.”