Misawa children keep crosswalks safe

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jessica Lockoski
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR FORCE BASE, Japan --  While 35th Security Forces Squadron Airmen protect the installation community and millions of dollars of equipment, they can't be everywhere at all times. Luckily, they have help from some of Misawa's smallest defenders who are doing their part in keeping the younger residents out of harm's way.

The 35th SFS commander, chief and superintendent recognized Sollars and Cummings Elementary School students, May 27 and June 14, who have dedicated their academic year to the schools' safety patrol programs.

"Come rain or shine, or six feet of snow, the community can always count on the schools' safety patrol program to be in place and those students, who assist their fellow classmates across base roads," said Capt. Leo Martin, 35th SFS commander.

Chief Master Sgt. John Gammage, SFS manager, and Senior Master Sgt. Daniel Leon, SFS operations superintendant, accompanied Captain Martin at the schools, handing out certificates of appreciation to each student who participated.

Although the impact of the volunteers may not be apparent for some Misawa residents, they play a large role in ensuring safety and their efforts benefit the 35th SFS mission.

"We rely on security forces to keep the community safe, but as those Airmen deploy on a demanding tempo like your parents do sometimes, you guys help us out a lot," said Captain Martin, addressing the students. "We really appreciate what you do."

By volunteering for a job that may seem thankless at times, Chief Gammage said their effort has a positive impact in the students' lives. Students' role as a junior safety patrolman provides them responsibility and allows them to grow up and become productive members of society, he said.

At both schools, nearly 100 students, third through sixth grade monitor crosswalks before and after school hours.

Before the bell rings and school starts, more than 60 students walk through Gabriella Kerwin's crosswalk each morning. Gabriella, daughter of Tech. Sgt. Matthew Jones, is responsible for keeping an eye out for not only the children, but the parents and traffic too.

"I joined the safety patrol to help people out and keep them safe," said the third grader, who is fairly new at the job.

On occasion, 35th SFS Airmen post at crosswalks with the heaviest vehicle traffic to assist the junior patrolmen. Yet eagerly, many students don their patrol belts or reflective vests and wave passing children through several other crosswalks on their own.

With two days left until the academic season is over, Gabriella said she looks forward to keeping the community safe during her 4th-grade year too.