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Airman gives all as volunteer coach

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Taylor Bourgeous
  • 92nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. --  Volunteering in your community is about helping others, and that is exactly what an Airman from the 92nd Maintenance Squadron at Fairchild Air Force Base does in his free time.

Senior Airman Frederick Chung, 92nd MXS isochronal inspection crew chief, volunteers in his free time as a youth soccer coach for the base youth center. This is his fourth season, and he currently coaches 9 and 10 year olds on a co-ed team.

"At first I was simply looking for ways to get involved with the community both here at Fairchild and in the local area," said Chung. "As the season passed and multiple parents continued to request me as a coach, I knew it was right to continue serving as both a coach and a role model."

After spending time working with the kids, Chung said he felt he had the special privilege of not only being their coach, but also being their teammate. The kids are always playing their hardest and are always ready to learn, he added.

"Coaching has become a duty, not unlike the duty we pledge to our country and our people," said Chung. "As Airmen, our dedication and hard work is invested towards a brighter, more promising future. With coaching, I feel the same way. Everything we pass on to our youth is to ensure their happiness later on down the road."

Ryan Frost, 92nd Force Support Squadron youth sports manager, said the parents appreciate the balance of education and entertainment Chung gives to the kids. Chung is knowledgeable about the sport, so he knows how to make it fun and educational for his team, Frost added.

"When it comes down to it, Airmen volunteering should not only be about service members getting involved in the community, it's about making a positive effect for those around them," said Chung.