Page 9 - Beacon 6-5-15

The Beacon www.aerotechnews.com/marcharb 9

See VOLUNTEERS page 9 over the years, destroying some crops. From PME page 5
“We brought canned goods to our
of pocket. built on and applied during the in-residence portion of PME.”
“We pay our own way to the Philip- host families. We carry our own stuff so Chief Master Sgt. Imelda Johnson, AFRC Enlisted Force Development
I brought canned Vienna sausages which
pines,” said Jurilla. “Cora and I spend is lighter. They were so happy – It was chief, agrees.
about $2,100 each, including airfare, like Christmas for them. This family was “What Airmen are getting out of the DL course before the in-residence
lodging and meals.” so nice they shared it with other rela-
tives. They appreciate the little things in course is a familiarity with the actual content of the new courses,” Johnson
As if this is not enough, Jurilla and life. You wouldn’t think it was much, but said. “It’s more of a strategic-type level of thinking more than the tactical-level
Cora also purchase additional items to to them it is,” said Jurilla. thinking. Most of our members are going earlier in their career, and they’re not
pass out to the patients, such as vita- quite as prepared if they would go to the course without doing the DL first.”
mins, toothpaste, toothbrushes and flip The volunteers often share their
flops for people who don’t have shoes. snacks and on one trip Jurilla shared In addition to the increased rigors of DL courses, there are also changes in
“One time we saw some kids going to beef jerky. Jurilla said “To my surprise the onus of responsibility for attendance and enrollment in the courses.
school carrying their flip flops. They one of the kids saved it to share with his
didn’t want them to get dirty or broken family to have meat with their dinner. “Enrolling in the proper time-in-service window and completing courses
in the mud so they would carry them and This is how much they appreciate.” on time is the member’s responsibility,” said Eric Devoursney, AFRC PME
then wash their feet and put on their new program manager.
sandals once they arrived at school.” Jurilla was born in the Philippines.
His father moved the family to the U.S. “However, the biggest challenge may be ... and really it’ll be more for the
The Jurillas provide a 30-day supply in order to have a better life. NCO Academy and SNCO Academy ... is that there used to be individuals who
of vitamins for children and adults due had a hard time with the DL and they had the fallback of going in-residence.
to the lack of vitamins in their diets and “Every time we go back we see how
some are malnourished. fortunate we are. That’s why rediscover- “Now, you have to complete the DL if you’re going in residence,” De-
ing our roots and giving back to the com- voursney said. “That’s going to hinder some people. ALS has remained the
“The bad thing is the kids’ vitamins munity is important - we feel grateful,” same. Airmen can do either DL or go in residence.”
come in Gummy Bears and sometimes he said. “Some of the people are afraid
they take them all in one day, thinking to approach us but I explain to them that These EPME DL courses are intentionally more rigorous than previous
the vitamins are candy. Some of the kids I was born there and grew up there. I tell ones and reflect the increased leadership challenges and expectations for
came back the next day asking us for them anything is possible. My dad grew enlisted leaders. Students are encouraged to approach these courses as they
more vitamins,” he said. up here on a farm. would a college course.

The volunteers often stay with local “It feels good giving back. People ap- “I would say treat it just like any other distance learning course, like an
host families due to very few lodging proach me and say, ‘Thank you for being online bachelor’s degree,” Johnson said. “Give it the same amount of time and
facilities in the remote areas. Some of here for us. Now, instead of buying med- energy and focus you would an advanced degree. It will require the same kind
the places they visit have been severely icine we can buy food.’ It feels good.” of effort.”
damaged from typhoons or earthquakes
Airmen can get more information from their career assistance advisor, edu-
cation office, Air Force Guidance Memorandum to Air Force Instruction 36-
2301, or www.aueducationsupport.com.

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