NIAGARA FALLS, NY -- 914th Airlift Wing Airmen met with and gave a presentation to area school children in Buffalo, NY June 8.

914th Airman Maria Hechabarria and Avionics Journeyman Senior Airman Elliot Daniels traveled to the Buffalo Elementary School of Technology to speak to a small group of school children about their experiences as Airmen in the United States Air Force Reserve changed their lives for the better.

Hechabarria, also a director of community service in the Wing's "Rising Six Program" said speaking to the children about the discipline and mentorship she received in her military training can have a very positive outcome on the children and community at large.

I feel a good role model for the children will secure our future, Hechabarria said. We show them the respect and discipline learned in basic military training and by showing them those qualities we demonstrate that we are not just about war, we show them our desire to help our community.

The Rising Six consists of all enlisted personnel ranking from Airmen Basic to Tech.Sgt. The purpose of the Rising Six is to strive to promote professionalism throughout the squadron and group personnel. It is also of invaluable assistance to the group commander, squadron commander and Top Three with issues that affect the group and squadron's junior enlisted force.

The Rising Six gas commenced actively engaging the community at speaking opportunities such as the one at BEST.

Ms. Joyce Davis, a special education teacher at BEST, was thrilled about the 914th Airmen visiting her class and believes the children in the area would see the Air Force Reserve as a positive influence.

"If we had more involvement from the Air Force it may alleviate gang and other negative influence related incidents in the community because of the mentoring and structured discipline [In the Air Force].

Davis is hopeful the Airmen return to the school and speak to more students about how the military's structure can affect positive change in the people of the community.

"We would like to the Air Force come in on a regular basis to mentor our kids," Davis said.

Hechabarria indicated there will be many more community outreach meetings and speaking opportunities like this one in the future.

"We want the community to know we are here to help," Hechabarria said.