One fine and sunny Tuesday afternoon, six reservists from the 482d Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department at Homestead Air Reserve Base (ARB) decided to bring joy, laughter and a great educational experience for the children of ABF Learning Center in Homestead, Florida. To the children's surprise, this was not their ordinary school day. No sir, it was not.
Group photo with ABF learning center kids and staff. Left to right Airman First Class Cameron Sheffield, Senior Airman Melannie Vargas, Senior Airman Ryan Calvo, Major Steven Lubinski, Tech Sgt. Chris Griffin, Staff Sgt. Connor Martilik, and Staff Sgt. Richard Yatim.
Because not only were they visited by the 482d Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department, they were visited in style, as the team arrived with their geared up fire trucks. With each truck's arrival, their horns blasted through the streets, letting the happy crowd, as well as the kids, know that it was going to be a fun, activity-filled afternoon. Lo and behold, they started the event with introductions. They also took the opportunity to pass out fire hats to everyone participating.
Tech Sgt. Chris Griffin assisting a young boy with the spraying of the water hose.
Eagerly meeting the kids one by one, the crew had a smile on their face whilst throwing high fives to one another. The squad didn't hold back, and was very much open to entertaining and answering any and all fire safety questions. They even gave a tour of their trucks! This included an introductory tour to the tools and equipment which are essential for firefighting.
Senior Airman Melannie Vargas teaches the kids about fire safety. Left to right Airman First Class Cameron Sheffield, Senior Airman Melannie Vargas, Senior Airman Ryan Calvo, Staff Sgt. Connor Martilik, Tech Sgt. Chris Griffin.
Hopefully, it ignites the students' imaginations and fosters a deeper understanding of emergency response. This day with kids was nothing short of a spectacle. Everyone had their chance handling the fire hose! As if that wasn't enough, the team also displayed exemplary teaching skills as they taught several safety activities. One of these was the classic "Stop, Drop, and Roll," which became an instant favorite amongst the young learners.
Senior Airman Ryan Calvo in his Firefighter Gear interacting with the kids at ABF Learning Center.
As the day drew to a close, the children were even treated with a well- deserved pizza party, courtesy of the 482d Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Department. To finish strong, they also gave away goodie bags for the kids as a sweet reminder of the fun they had that day.
Senior Airman Ryan Calvo passes out coloring books to the kids at ABF Learning center.
With a day full of laughter and adventures, and with hearts full of gratitude, the ABF Learning Center commended our heroes for a fun-filled afternoon. They were also applauded for their heartwarming display of community engagement. Truly worthy to be called real life heroes by one and all.
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