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Air National Guard /Air Force Reserve Teen Leadership Summit

  • Published
  • By Ms. Terri Scanlin
  • 174 FW, Family Program Coordinator
Hancock Field Air National Guard Base, Syracuse, NY --  Andrew Metz, a 16-year-old student of Fayetteville-Manlius High School, recently attended the Air National Guard /Air Force Reserve Teen Leadership Summit at Wahsega 4-H Center, in Dahlonega, Georgia. Andrew is the son of Technical Sgt. Peter Metz and Donna Metz of Manlius, NY. Metz is a member of the 174th Fighter Wing, New York Air National Guard, Syracuse, NY. Andrew will be a senior in high school this year and enjoys the outdoors, camping, hiking and anything adventurous.

Andrew applied for the Teen Leadership Summit because he wanted to experience something different this summer. The Summit gave him an adventure that taught him about the Air National Guard and the Air Force Reserve. He learned about the services available to him and his family members. There were also activities such as white water rafting, leadership activities, high and low rope courses, zip-lining and wall climbing. The students could also attend a variety of environmental classes. Andrew chose a class on snakes.

Andrew also made some new friends. "Everybody there was very open and kind. Friends were made very fast and a lot of people, including myself, didn't want to leave so soon", stated Andrew. He recommends other teens to apply next year because it was a great learning experience. Andrew said "I learned a lot about the Air Force services, the snakes, and myself." Andrew is thinking of joining the military in the future and hopes to attend another ANG/AFR Teen Leadership Summit.

The Teen Leadership Summits are only for Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve youth. The Summits are open to all 15-18 year old dependent teens of current Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve members. Airfare, transportation while at the Summit, camp fees, lodging and meals are covered by Air Force. Parents are responsible for getting their teen to/from the airport, baggage fees, spending money for snacks, souvenirs and meals during airline travel. Look for more information next spring from your Family Programs Office about next year's Summit.