'Team Focus' launched to support young boys Published March 16, 2011 By Susan Griggs 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The journey to manhood is a tough road, even for boys from secure homes with two supportive parents. But what about kids without a father figure in their lives? That's where Team Focus gives young men affirmation, guidance and encouragement toward adulthood. Keesler has the funding for the program -- what's needed now are boys and volunteers. Lt. Col. Rich Cole and Gerry Cross are spearheading the effort that brought Team Focus to Keesler. Colonel Cole is 81st Force Support Squadron commander and Mr. Cross is the unit's former first sergeant now serving as Keesler's school liaison officer. The U.S. Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Assistance is providing financial support to Keesler's Team Focus program for young men who don't have a father or stepfather living in the home and who have minimal or no contact with their dads. The Christian-based year-round program falls under the auspices of the chapel, but is open to young men 10-18 years old regardless of religion. The program is not intended for "at-risk" boys, but for young men with positive leadership potential. During the summer, Team Focus conducts leadership camps around the country. Activities develop leadership skills and bolsters positive values and teamwork. The program includes motivational speakers, recognition for academic achievement, public speaking, job interview training, manners and etiquette instruction, singing, playing, prayer, sports, fishing, field trips, prizes and gifts. Last year, Mississippi Sen. Thad Cochran approached Keesler's former commander, Brig. Gen. Ian Dickinson, about the program and Colonel Cole was tasked to follow up. He and Mr. Cross went to Mobile, Ala., where Team Focus headquarters is located. The Keesler representatives met with Mike Gottfried, an ESPN sportscaster and former college coach who founded Team Focus in 2000 with his wife, Mickey. Mr. Gottfried felt drawn to start the program because he lost his father at age 11 and understood the difficulty and hardships young men without fathers feel. "Growing up without a father around and knowing what that feels like, I have a desire to provide a place for young men to come and be encouraged, motivated and challenged," Mr. Gottfried explained. Keesler gave the program a trial run last July with a four day camp with the theme "Move with a Sense of Purpose" for Keesler kids and about 20 youth and staff from Mobile. Campers stayed in base lodging, four to each room with an adult counselor, ate in the dining halls and took advantage of the base's fitness and recreational facilities. Activities kept the campers moving from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. "We were supported by Keesler volunteers with outstanding results, and Team Focus was happy to partner with us on an ongoing basis," Mr. Cross said. For a lot of the young men, attending the camp was their first glimpse of the Air Force. "The kids were stoked with this introduction to a military environment," Colonel Cole pointed out. "It wasn't our intention, but it turned out to be a great recruiting tool for the Air Force." The Mississippi Chapter of Team Focus is based at Keesler and directed by Tony Javens, who spent eight years in the program and is completing a degree at the University of Southern Mississippi. "He's a walking testament to Team Focus," Colonel Cole remarked. "It's a 24/7 job for him, going to the schools and into the surrounding communities, creating interest in the program." The program is open to Keesler kids and boys in surrounding communities. "Kids have to be able to get to our gate, and we'll take it from there," Mr. Cross said. An application and interview process ensures that the program reaches committed young men with leadership potential. Colonel Cole explained that the youngsters chosen for Team Focus should be "open-minded with great attitudes and a willingness to be molded into outstanding young men. "Moms or guardians have to be committed to Team Focus, too," Mr. Cross stressed. "They are major players in the program and are vital to its success." In addition to the three camps planned each year, Team Focus also includes individual tutoring and mentoring sessions, Saturday and after-school activities, monthly social and sports gatherings, phone calls, e-mails and onsite school visits to maintain a bond between program leaders and participants. "You know, many times kids will put up a front and try to hide the hurt from not having been taught how to do certain things and that can be painful," Mr. Gottfried pointed out. That's why the program includes what Colonel Cole describes as "skills of manhood," with lessons on things that might be overlooked without a dad in the house -- shaving, tying a tie and how to go on an interview. "Participants are expected to tuck in their shirts and pull up their pants," Colonel Cole observed, "all of the things involved in becoming a man." Mr. Cross emphasized, "Our resources -- our facilities, infrastructure and volunteer base -- will be huge assets to the program." He added that the program comes at no cost to Keesler because of the three-year grant. Organizers hope that the program will become self-sustaining with continued community support. For more inforrmation, call 377-5836 or 1-251-229-6591 or e-mail Tony@TeamFocusUSA.org.