Chief's daughter lauds teen summit

  • Published
  • By SrA. Kelly Galloway
  • 439th AW/PA
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  A Westover family member recently discussed the highlights of a popular summer camp for teen-agers of military members.

Gianna Duncan, daughter of CMSgt. Earl Duncan, 439th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, is an Air Force Teen Council member and participant and advocate for Teen Summit, a unique program for teens.

Teen Summit provides teenagers who have parents in the Air Force Reserve or Air Force National Guard with leadership skills training, introduces military courtesies and customs, long lasting friendships and a momentous amount of memories. Gianna flew to Dahlonega, Ga., for her first summit in 2009.

"I was with other Air Force Reserve and Air National Guard teens from all across the country, and we quickly became friends," she said. "I was given so many opportunities...I went zip-lining, rock-climbing, and white water rafting. It was an amazing five days with a huge, enthusiastic group of teens."

At the close of each summit, each participant receives a coin presented by a general during a dinner ceremony. "I've already had the opportunity to meet Maj. Gen.(Martin) Mazick and Lt. Gen. (Charles) Stenner," she said.

After attending the Adventure Summit Camp in Estes Park, Colo., last summer, she applied for the Air Force Reserve Teen Leadership Council, a group of motivated teens from across the country who provide a youth perspective on thepreparation and execution of Air Force Reserve youth programs.

"I applied and was selected to serve with 15 other teens. We attended the Air Force Reserve Teen Leadership Conference in 2010 to learn about outside resources for military families, public speaking skills, and programs we could participate in to help Air Force Reserve families," she said.

Every TLC member is required to attend at least two Yellow Ribbon events each year. Those events help fami l ies through pre- and postdeployment issues while offering child and teen workshops to the youth.

"We assist those workshops, participate in scheduled conference calls, lead or implement youth programs, complete a goal or project to strengthen AFR Youth Programs, represent AFR youth at special events, and serve as a resource for AFR families and teens within our communities," she said.

Gianna likes participating in Teen Council because of the opportunities for growth.

"The program enables me to help out with kids and allows me to give back to the Air Force what the Air Force has given to me - the opportunity to travel to places like Georgia, Colorado and Washington, D.C.," she said.

Her participation with the Air Force Teen Summits and the Air Force Teen Council gave her the opportunity to meet state representatives and Air Force Generals and do activities such as white water rafting, horseback riding and canoeing," she said. Teen Leadership Summits are free to participants. The Air Force pays for air fare, lodging and food for the five days. Parents and persons who wish to participate who are above 18 years of age may volunteer and be "adult leaders" in charge of 8 to 10 teens. Eligible teens can access the application at georgia4h.org/afrangteensummit.

To apply for Teen Leadership Council, visit afyouthprograms.com/teenleadershipcamp. htm.