17th FSS Airman mentors children through cheerleading

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Breonna Veal
  • 17th Training Wing Public Affairs
For Airman 1st Class Kendra Norman, 17th Force Support Squadron command support staff, being the coach of a 4-5 year old cheerleading squad is more than being involved in a sport that she is very familiar with.

"I was a cheerleader for all four years of high school, two years of Competitive Collegiate Cheer and one year of All-Star cheerleading," said Norman. "Upward Sports deals with two things that I love, children and cheerleading."

Upward Sports is a Christian sports league for youth athletics which offers multi-sport comprehensive training and instruction that increases in intensity with each athlete as they improve; enriching their physical, emotional, social and spiritual growth. Sports provided include: basketball, soccer, flag football, baseball, volleyball and cheerleading.

"Most of the volunteering I do is for kids because I came from a single parent home," said Norman. "When I was younger, programs like this kept me occupied."

Because children-oriented programs kept Norman busy as child, it was only right for her to volunteer for programs such as Big Brother Big Sister, cancer walks for children and youth coaching activities.

"The importance of volunteering is to give back," said Norman. "I like to volunteer, especially when it benefits children in any kind of way. I like knowing I am a part of shaping someone is some kind of way. Plus, children are my soft spot and are a lot of fun."

Caroline Carrillo, a cheer director and coach of Upward Sports, believes the San Angelo community and Goodfellow have a great partnership because the base is an important part of the area.

"So many people are here because of the base's presence and I know there are many volunteers that come from the base, it's a part of being a service member," said Carrillo.

"The military does give back to the community in a big way."

According to Norman, the San Angelo community and Goodfellow share a good relationship. Volunteers from Goodfellow log tens of thousands of hours helping throughout the Concho Valley.