Spotlight:
 
Kress & Wright
Review Air Force
4-H Programs in Europe

Dr. Cathann Kress, Director of Youth Development, and Sharon Wright, National Program Leader, from National 4-H Headquarters reviewed 4‑H programs at Air Force bases in England and Germany from March 5-12, 2008. Accompanied by Anne-Marie Wallace, Air Force Family Member Programs (FMP), Kress and Wright met with staff and youth at RAFs Lakenheath, Mildenhall, and Alconbury in the United Kingdom and at Ramstein, Kapaun and Vogelweh in Germany.

Wallace arranged Mission Briefs and Office Calls with Commanders to provide information about the environment in which Air Force children and families live. FMP Staff on all bases welcomed the visit by 4-H and eagerly demonstrated their programs and explained how they were using 4‑H programs and resources. The tour of Strike Eagle Complex for F-15 was an incredible learning experience and a highlight of the trip. Another highlight was being present for actual 4-H Club meetings with school-age and Cloverbud groups.

At the 2008 European Youth Development Conference in Weinheim, they met Air Force, Army, and Navy staff and observed land grant university colleagues Kendra Wells and Rebecca Davis from Maryland and Joy Jordan from Florida delivering a "4-H 101" training.  4-H now plays a key role in this conference, which strengthens support to European military 4-H programs. Dr. Kress presented the keynote address on March 11.  

This trip provided the chance to see first hand what is working well with Air Force 4-H partnerships and to develop ideas for enhancing and expanding future opportunities for youth and staff in both Air Force and in 4-H.  National 4‑H Headquarters values this partnership with Air Force, and this tour emphasized the value and the impact of collaboration to bring university resources to children and youth whose parents are serving in the military.  More than 6,000 children of Air Force personnel are members of 4-H.