Whiteman teen receives ACC Youth of the Year Award

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Jason Barebo
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Air Combat Command recently named a Whiteman Air Force Base teen as its Youth of the Year for 2008.

Sixteen year-old Ryan Marler, son of Senior Master Sgt. Vincent and Sheri Marler, received the award, which recognizes outstanding achievements and accomplishments of youth program members who have demonstrated outstanding contributions to a member's family, school, community and Boys and Girls Club as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome.

"I was fairly surprised to receive this award," Ryan said. "I knew I was up against some pretty stiff competition."

A few of Ryan's accomplishments that earned him the award were his involvement in the base chapel, Keystone Club, the Warrensburg Veterans' Home and the Training Responsible Adolescence in Leadership Program to name a few. Ryan has also volunteered 50 hours of his time to community involvement.

"[Ryan] is such a positive role model for his peers and younger children," said Debbie Kermick, Whiteman Director of Youth Programs. "We can always depend on him to give his input and get involved.

"Ryan is an officer in the Keystone Club, which is a youth leadership and citizenship club, and participates in a lot of community events like Boo Bash and Kids' Day celebration," Kermick said.

Ryan attributes his accomplishments to his family, friends and several members of Team Whiteman.

"The base has supported me by offering all of the well-run programs for teens here," Ryan said. "It has allowed the Keystone Club to hold fundraisers on base and has helped fund teen programs. It also provides the teen center with free internet access which helps in a number of ways."

"We are extremely proud of Ryan," Sergeant Marler said. "He's always been the type of person that likes to get involved and learn new things. This award is one of the benefits of his hard work and willingness to help out where he can."

"We just try to give Ryan advice and let him know of the many opportunities available to him on the base as well as the community," Mrs. Marler said. "We always encourage both our children to get involved; it gives them a more rounded background and serves to help them in their future challenges."

The Youth of the Year Program is conducted in conjunction with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America Youth of the Year Program. Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 grade-point-average and be in 9th to 12th grade.

"This is an opportunity open to every teen on Whiteman," Kermick said. "It requires diligence, perseverance and good relationships with the school and community."

For more information on the Youth of the Year Program, call 687-5586