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Warren Airmen help in elementary history project

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Brandon Valle
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F.E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  90th Missile Wing Airmen participated in Freedom Elementary School's Living History Project Jan. 13.

Abi Patoe Gbayee, Freedom Elementary art teacher and project organizer, said the project was designed to help students understand how to make art based on others, rather than just basing it on themselves.

Phase one of the project began with students interviewing volunteers from the local community about their lives. The volunteers included Airmen from base and representatives from the Wyoming House of Representatives. In February, during phase two, the children will use the information gathered to create art projects.

Airman Ciara Charles, 90th Medical Operations Squadron Family Health front desk attendant, said she volunteered because the program sounded interesting and she relishes an opportunity to work with children.

"The children were very inquisitive, which I thought was nice," she said.

Students asked the volunteers questions about their life experiences, childhood memories and the biggest influences in their lives. Volunteers told detailed stories in order to help the children connect and remember the answers.

"It was interesting to see what stories they found entertaining," said Maj. Stephanie Wilson, 90th Munitions Squadron commander. "My favorite part of the interview was hearing how they connected my stories with ones in their own lives."

The students will work on the projects for the next few months, finally showcasing their work May 8.

"To be honest, it's a little nerve wracking," Charles said. "I'm not entirely sure what [artwork] the children are going to make about me."