MOLINE, Ill. -- U.S. Army Sustainment Command's senior enlisted leader spoke to about 250 community members during the annual Big Brothers, Big Sisters "Big Impact" event at the iWireless Center in Moline, Illinois, Oct. 20.
Command Sgt. Maj. Anthony Bryant, ASC, encouraged the children, known as "Littles" in BBBS, to set goals and never stop working towards them. He also warned them against peer pressure.
"Associate yourself with the right people," he said. "There's always going to be good and bad influences. It's up to you to make the right choices."
Bryant is familiar with the local BBBS affiliate. Last June, a group of "Littles" and their mentors, "Bigs," toured Rock Island Arsenal, spending time in the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, and speaking with a panel of ASC leaders.
"Give something back," Bryant said. "No one ever makes it on their own. We all owe a debt to the community around us."
Bryant credited his father as his first mentor and said that after joining the military, he looked to successful non-commissioned officers to learn how to be a better leader and Soldier.
"My dad was my first mentor," he said. "He always put food on the table and was a great provider. (After joining the Army) I looked for role models and mentors and I emulated them."
The "Big Impact" event recognizes the hard work of volunteers in the BBBS program, as well as the "Bigs" and "Littles." The event also offers an opportunity for the organization to celebrate the year together.
Recognized were:
Teresa Anderson, Tom Hannah Lifetime Service Award
John McDermott and Kelvin, Rookie Match of the Year
Kevin Friedenbach and Drew, Big Impact School-Based Match of the Year
Natalie Nieman and Alexis, Community-Based Elementary School Match of the Year
Rose Strickland and Anabelle, Community-Based Middle School Match of the Year
Ellen Kabat-Lensch and Camry, Community-Based High School Match of the Year
Patricia Walton and Kacie, McDonough County Match of the Year
Jeff Banks and Elijah, Big Impact Award -- Match of the Year
Galaxy 1 Marketing, Big Impact Company of the Year
Wells Fargo, Big Impact Company of the Year
Alcoa, Big Impact Company of the Year
Littles were posted at the banquet hall entrance where they welcomed guests and handed out programs. They also led the audience in the pledge of allegiance.
BBBS of the Mississippi Valley began by serving the Quad Cities as a BBBS of America affiliate in 1988 to establish a mentoring program that supported local at-risk children. Over the years, the organization partnered with neighboring towns and today serves 14 counties impacting more than 1,100 children annually.
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