OCR Text |
Show TIMES November 30, 2006 lage, which captured imagery from the base and the state that included Mount Rushmore and The artwork of Hill spouse B-l bombers. Since then she has Carrie Punches can be found all over the world. And it all started created similar pieces of work for each of the five bases she with a challenge. has lived, including Hill. In 1996, while stationed at, Ellsworth AFB, S.D., her hus"Until he challenged me, I had band's commander was looking never drawn an airplane before for retirement gifts, and he was that," Mrs. Punches said. . looking into getting woodcarvAn artist all her life, Mrs. ings, but needed references to Punches has a degree in commercial art from the Art Institute of Houston. Her specialty is photo-rea1ism portraits of people, but military bases have given her new inspiration. "I like to do collages that show a little bit of everything of where we are at," Mrs. Punches said. "I make a list of The pencil drawing created by Air Force spouse Carrie Punches to illustrate Hill AFB. things I think are important feel like they look at this and it a hotel in Southeast Asia," she "For each of the bases we are and ask my hus- stationed at, she captures the reminds them of their bases and said. "It's awesome that these band or other if I can do that for them that is go all around the world. That's spirit of the base and positively Photo by Beth Young military memwhat is important for me. This why I do it." portrays the Air Force," said Carrie Punches, Air Force spouse, broadens her artistic bers what they is my small contribution to the Maj. Craig Punches, about his Her artwork is completed with horizons to paint ornaments for the Officers' Spouses' think of when cause." wife's work. "She also captures just a mechanical pencil, shader Club bazaar. they think of a bit of history since she capsticks and an eraser. It takes Travel is inspiration for Mrs. this base, just tures aircraft which eventually her about eight hours over a few Punches' artwork and so far, are phased out or relocated. Her send to the artist. Knowing she week's time to complete one. She the Punches have not stayed so I can make it a little more artwork is unreal with the level was a freelance artist he asked has also designed other work for at any one base for more than well-rounded." of detail she captures." her to do some drawings. the military including coins. three years. Being an Air Force The art she created for Hill, spouse will most likely provide "The last comment he made titled "Highlights of Hill," was "I don't want to be on the sideBecause prints of Mrs. Punchinspiration for Mrs. Punches for was, 'unless you can come up inspired by the West Gate area, es work are often given as retire- lines, so by doing these I am years to come. with something better,'" Mrs. with missiles, snow-capped able to get out there and meet ment or relocating gifts, it travPunches said. mountains and, of course, variother squadrons and give a els the world with its recipients. "We are dying to go to Eupiece of me back," she said. "I She created a pencil drawrixol- ous aircraft. rope," she said. "I've got one that is hanging in BYBETH_YOUNG Hilltop Times statf HEIRFORCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah Partner with Hill Youth Center Margaret Emily Conroy, daughter of Capt. Paul and Sandra Lynn Conroy, was born Oct. 25 weighing 9 pounds 12 ounces and measuring 20 inches. NATIONAL BIG BROTHER OF THE YEAR In 1997, Tom, a retired 61 yearold, NASA engineer from Huntsville, Utah was matched with 8-year-old David. At first Tom BY BETH YOUNG was amazed, "that an old guy Hilltop Times staff The Youth Center is partnering with Big Brothers would be so compatible with an 8-year-old." However, with Big Sisters of Utah to bring mentors to Hill youth. "The BBBSU actually came to us," said Drew Ulsh, more than a half-century age difference the two have become Hill Youth Programs assistant director. "They had a lot of (adult) military members who wanted to be best friends over their eight year in the program. Being the Youth Center, we had the relationship. Both of David's youth, so it was a perfect fit." parents were incarcerated due to Big Brothers Big Sisters is the oldest, largest and substance abuse problems and most effective youth mentoring organization in the David was being raised by his United States. Their mission is to help children reach grandmother. their potential through professionally supported, oneIn addition to sharing fries to-one relationships with mentors who have a meaand a coke, Tom has helped surable impact on youth. "With parents being gone, with deployment, divorce David form a better understandand sometimes death, this gives the youth a role mod- ing of David's Native American el and a mentor to look up to," Mr. Ulsh said. heritage. David has not had the According to BBBS, after being patched one year opportunity to explore much of with a mentor, Little Brothers and Little Sisters are: his culture. • 46 percent less likely to start using illegal drugs Together, Tom and David have • 27 percent less likely to start drinking alcohol befcome the epitome of the • 33 percent less likely to act violently Big Brothers Big Sisters mis• 52 percent less likely to skip a day of school sion which is to help children • 58 percent achieved higher grades reach their potential through • 64 percent developed high levels of self-confiprofessionally supported one-todence one mentoring. Tom says that • 62 percent were more likely to trust their teachthroughout this relationship he ers "We are very excited to be working with Hill," said has watched David mature, lose John Gold, BBBSU partnership director, who is also his anger, and come to believe a Big Brother himself, "It's the most fun thing I do all that doing well in school is imweek. I think I get more out of it than my little broth- portant. David, now 16, speaks er." highly of Tom stating, "Tom is Volunteers for this program need to commit to an now my 'real' brother and I have average of one hour per week for nine months min- come to love him as though he imum. This will be an onsite program, so they will were my own family." meet at the Youth Center for activities, including playing games, doing homework, and talking and more David has always thought Tom importantly, listening. was the best Big Brother in the "We think this is going to be good program for us," nation but says Tom was awardMr. Ulsh said. ed the National Big Brother of "There is no better service than service to a child," the Year because, "he is reliMr. Gold said. "This can make a long term difference able, caring, giving, and helped in children's lives" changed a little boy into a man." For more information, contact Drew Ulsh or Jacky Bower at 777-2419. All applicants will be required to Courtesy of Big Brother Big Sister of Utah • complete a background check. Avery May Kolkebeck, daughter of 2nd Lt. Brian and Alison Kolkebeck, was born Oct. 26 weighing 6 pounds 1 ounces and measuring 19 inches. Dallas Benjamin Lowe, son of Airman 1st Class Derek and Briltni Lowe, was born Nov. 1 weighing 5 pounds 15 ounces and measuring 19 inches. A time for Thanks Photos by Airman 1st Class Clay Murray (Top) Base leadership work together In what has become tradition at Hill to serve Thanksgiving dinner to Airmen, dependents, retirees and others at the Hillcrest Dining Facility. (left) Carol Thomas speaks with Arrlka Von from Fox 13 News while she volunteers for Thanksgiving dinner at the Hillcrest Dining Facility. Carol and Steven Thomas volunteered to serve food on Thanksgiving Day with Robert and Lori Lehmiller in honor of their sons, Sgt. Brandon Tomas and Sgt. Robert Lehmiller, who died last year In Iraq and Afghanistan respectively. |