Airmen renovate alternative school recreation equipment

  • Published
  • By Airman Allison Boehm
  • 2d Bomb Wing Pubic Affairs
BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. --  More than 25 Airmen gathered to assist in the Red River Restoration Project April 10 at the Red River Marine Institute in Bossier City.

The group of Airmen met at 8 a.m. to construct a volleyball court and re-paint an old, faded basketball and tennis court for the students at the alternative school.

The Red River Marine Institute is an alternative school for kids that have gotten in trouble at their original school prohibiting them form returning, said Master Sgt. Jonathan Martin. "We are out here to be a positive role model for the students and show them we are here to help and prove that positive things can happen if the kids do the right things," Sergeant Martin said.

The group spent the day taking part in various tasks such as: tilling the court ground, digging holes for the volleyball net, mixing cement, taping off the court lines, and painting the entire basketball and tennis court.

"These kids couldn't make it in public school and often come from troubled homes so for us to come out here shows that we still care about them. I would want the same done for me," said Staff Sgt. Keith Camferdam, a volunteer.

"The volunteers did an outstanding job," said Al Weathersbey, the executive director of the Red River Marine Institute. "They worked continuously and you could tell this wasn't forced on anyone, they really were happy to be there."

The hours of hard work the airmen put forth as not gone unnoticed, said Mr. Weathersbey. "The students are very grateful, I can tell by just looking at them."
Weathersbey knows the efforts made an impact at the school by how often he hears the students chatter with excitement about the project.

"The students are really excited that the new courts were painted the school colors, the efforts made have definitely increased student and staff morale. We are all able to really take pride in our facility," he said.

The efforts made at the institute will benefit the 58 students currently enrolled at the school and any future enrollees.

Sergeant Martin is currently in charge of the volunteering projects directed toward the Red River Marine Institute and plans on returning whenever they need assistance.