Any place is the place to volunteer for a 166th AV Soldier

By Spc. Carl Havlik, 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West Public AffairsFebruary 19, 2015

Any place is the place to volunteer for a 166th AV Soldier
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Sgt. 1st Class Cynthia Pearson, 166th Aviation Brigade Sexual Assault Response Coordinator (SARC) volunteers her time at the Bell County Juvenile Education Center in Killeen, Texas, where she mentors children from ages eight through twelve. (Photo by... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Any place is the place to volunteer for a 166th AV Soldier
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

Fort Hood, Texas -- One 166th Aviation Brigade, Division West noncommissioned officer dedicates her time by aiding others in various locations, in different ways.

"It's the same thing. The only thing that changes is the location," said Sgt. 1st Class Cynthia Pearson, 166th Sexual Assault Response Coordinator.

Pearson devotes all of her free time serving others throughout her community. She volunteers at Bell County Juvenile Detention Center working with at-risk youths, where she mentors children from ages eight through twelve.

On Wednesdays, Pearson provides a ninety minute intervention with students in the all volunteer group: Building Empowering Appreciating Cultivating Our Neighborhood, the "BEACON" program.

Being appointed as the brigade SARC has given Pearson insight and the knowledge to understand and mentor children. Most at-risk children had no mentors or parents when they were growing up, so this was a way for her to give something back to them.

"It's always been a passion of mine," said Pearson. "I did not come from an at-risk upbringing, but I do have children and an opportunity to give back."

Pearson also teaches Sunday school at her church every Sunday. When asked about the differences between teaching Sunday school and at-risk youths, Pearson said it was more biblical, yet for the most part they are the same.

The children she mentors have also made an impact on her life. Pearson retires in one year and already has dreams for the future. According to Pearson, she wants to open a center of her own for at-risk youths in the future as she feels she can do more to help this population.

Always striving to do more for others is why Pearson will be receiving the Volunteer of the Quarter Award for her selfless service, which continues to inspire others to do the same. However, do not talk to her about awards, as she seeks her rewards elsewhere.

"My reward is knowing I did something to help another person," said Pearson.

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