Buckley volunteers tackle teamwork and anti-bullying

Douglas Blisardengler, in yellow, instructs children during a drill at the 16Ways football camp May 18, 2013, at the Aurora Public Stadium, Aurora, Colo. Blisardengler, an Army sergeant with the 743rd Military Intelligence Battalion, was one of about 30 volunteers from Buckley Air Force Base who participated in teaching more than 200 children between the ages of 8 to 14 the fundamentals of football along with the importance of teamwork and putting a stop to bullying. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Gross/Released)

Buckley volunteers tackle teamwork and anti-bullying

Timothy Barnhart, left, anticipates a hit from a 16Ways football camp participant as Maurice Greer, right, attempts to fumble the ball May 18, 2013, at the Aurora Public Stadium, Aurora, Colo. Barnhart, an Air Force staff sergeant with the 460th Medical Group, was one of about 30 volunteers from Buckley Air Force Base to participate in the camp, which focused on basic football fundamentals, teamwork and anti-bullying. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Gross/Released)

Buckley volunteers tackle teamwork and anti-bullying

Kyle Carpenter speaks to children at the 16Ways football camp May 18, 2013, at the Aurora Public Stadium, Aurora, Colo. Carpenter, an Air Force staff sergeant with the Air Reserve Personnel Center, delivered opening comments about what teamwork means in the Air Force. The camp gave more than 200 children between the ages of 8 and 14 an opportunity to enhance their football skills and learn the importance of teamwork and anti-bullying. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Gross/Released)

Buckley volunteers tackle teamwork and anti-bullying

Darren Scott takes a hit from a 16Ways football camp participant during a form tackling drill May 18, 2013, at the Aurora Public Stadium, Aurora, Colo. Scott, an airman first class with the 460th Space Wing Public Affairs Office, was one of about 30 volunteers from Buckley Air Force Base, Colo. The camp, hosted by Denver Bronco Wesley Woodyard’s 16Ways Foundation, focused on basic football fundamentals, teamwork and anti-bullying. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Christopher Gross)

Buckley volunteers tackle teamwork and anti-bullying

Published May 21, 2013
By Staff Sgt. Christopher Gross
460th Space Wing Public Affairs

AURORA, Colo. -- About 30 Team Buckley members teamed up with Denver Bronco Wesley Woodyard's 16Ways Foundation to show more than 200 children the fundamentals of football all while pushing the importance of teamwork and anti-bullying at a football camp May 18 at the Aurora Public Stadium.

Volunteers coached and cheered on children between the ages of 8 and 14 through 11 different drills. Drills focused on everything to form tackling, catching, quick feet, endurance and several other techniques.

Staff Sgt. David Chavez, 460th Medical Group, said it's important for military members to get out and support the community that so often supports us. He said it's important to get out there and show we genuinely care about helping out.

The non-profit organization recognizes the educational, emotional, physical and social needs for at-risk youth. The foundation's primary focus is to work with at-risk youth between the ages of 8 and 18, with a secondary focus on adults in employment transition. They organize workshops, seminars, camps and other activities designed to build self-esteem, promote responsibility, overcome obstacles, stress the importance of academics, promote educational and professional development, and promote volunteerism and community service.

The camp was also meant to show the importance of teamwork and to fight against bullying.

"We founded 16Ways a little over three years ago, and basically we work with the kids and youth at risk in the community," said Woodyard. "Now we're taking a stand on anti-bullying."

Woodyard said he wants to show children there are people in the community who care about them and will stand behind them. Everybody encounters someone in their life who tries to knock them down or belittle them.

Chavez thought the anti-bullying push was important and a good idea. He reiterated that at some point everybody has been bullied. He said this was a good opportunity to showcase the Air Force's Wingman concept and show Airmen always have each others' backs.

"This re-energizes my life. This is what it's all about. I remember when I went to my first football camp and seeing NFL guys. It gives you that feeling that if you dream big things can happen," he said.