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Security Forces serve Springfield community at local middle school

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Michael Gibson
  • 178th Public Affairs
Five Airmen from the 178th Security Forces Squadron volunteered at a local basketball camp at Springfield's Hayward Middle School speaking to children about various topics ranging from teamwork and determination to using good judgment when faced with difficult decisions, July 17, 2014.

SFS members also spoke to the K-12 participants about topics from the 5 Minutes for Life campaign; a program designed to encourage students to live a drug-free lifestyle.

"Anything we can do for the community is awesome for both our guys and the community," said Lt. Col. Bernard Willis, SFS commander.

Staff Sgt. Brandon Skabla, SFS member, helped coordinate event and said that it's important for the Guard to be involved in the community and let them know we are here for them.

The Security Forces Airmen brought a police cruiser and body armor for the children to get hands on experience with while speaking with them about the life topics. They also participated in some basketball conditioning drills to motivate the kids to do their best.

The camp was hosted by the Springfield National Trail Parks and Recreation district and ran by Nate Miller. Miller, a Springfield native, played basketball for Bowling Green State University and currently plays professionally overseas where he won two championships and MVP awards.

According to Miller, the camp is based off of his 3D model he lives by of discipline, determination and dedication. He said that this camp shows children that there are better things than being involved with drugs or violence.

"I feel like basketball and sports kept me off the streets and I learned a lot of life lessons through basketball," said Miller. "I hope that they see by the people that I bring in. They are men who were kids just like them who had dreams and did whatever they had to do to reach them, so why can't they?"

Miller said he plans to run this camp annually as part of giving back to community where he grew up.