Westover hosts Hispanic Youth Leadership Symposium 2010 Published May 3, 2010 By Andre Bowser 439 Airlift Wing Public Affairs WESTOVER AIR RESEVE BASE, MASS. -- The Patriot Wing hosted nearly 100 local high school students as part of a Hispanic Youth Leadership Symposium on April 28. Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Cadets converged at the Base Hangar from schools in Chicopee, Springfield and Holyoke. Many were of Hispanic descent and all came to learn leadership traits they could bring back to their schools and communities. The visiting students were part of the third annual Hispanic Youth Leadership Symposium, which aims at empowering local youth through role model and mentorship interactions. Col. Patrick Cloutier, the 439th Airlift Wing Vice Commander, began the event by greeting the students and encouraging them to strive to be leaders in excellence. High school students from Putnam in Springfield, Dean Tech in Holyoke and Chicopee gathered at exhibits and stations in the base hangar, which included tours of a nearby C-5B Galaxy and the base fire station. Representatives from several units within the wing attended the event and exposed the students to different aspects of work and life in the military. The units included the airlift squadron, security forces, maintenance, honor guard, fire department and fitness. Food was also provided to the students from a local vendor. Master Sgt. Luisa Cabana with the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) coordinated the event. She said it was no small feat to bring together so many students, as well as orchestrate the various activities, but it was all worth it. "We like to give back to our local community because we have so many resources here at Westover," she said. "The symposium is an outreach program under the umbrella of the HRDC." Many of the students expressed an interest in joining the military. That came as no surprise as many were cadets in AFJROTC programs at their schools. All of the students approached expressed an abiding appreciation for the time and effort that went into the day. One Putnam High student boasted that he has attended the event every year since it began in 2008. "The Hispanic community from the base has a commitment to informing the Hispanic kids that they can be more after high school," said 18-year-old cadet leader Jose Morales. The symposium, which ran from 8 a.m. until well after 2 p.m., also exposed the students to guest speakers who discussed topics of education, self-esteem, community awareness, as well as civic leadership. Military leaders also left their impression on the students - with a commandment of becoming future leaders. Although the event was limited to one day, Maj. Eric Colon said many reservists of Hispanic descent, including himself, strive to engage youths from all backgrounds in their communities. As a flight surgeon in the Air Force Reserve and doctor in the civilian world, Major Colon said giving back is important. "I try to help out a lot in the local community," said the seasoned flight surgeon that has been stationed at Westover for five years. "I try to get the message out: Shoot for your dreams." Chicopee High 10th-grader Natasha Rodriguez said the day's events left her 15-year-old eyes wide open. "I think it's a really good opportunity for me because I was thinking about joining the Air Force," she said. Opening eyes has long been a goal of Major Colon. "I try to tell kids keep your dreams going. Try not to settle," said the self-described lucky guy, who said all dreams are attainable "with some luck." Major Colon explained that he has a personal philosophy about luck, though. To him it is remarkably more synonymous with perseverance than good fortune. "I believe luck comes as opportunities you get exposed to by working hard and putting yourself in the right places," he said. Putnam High senior Morales, who also holds the dual title of colonel, or commander, of his AFJROTC unit, said the leadership examples he's been shown over the three years of attending the annual event, among other things, have inspired him. "The sincerity that they act on to help us has shown me that my next step is college," Morales said. "After that I want to become an officer in the Air Force."