COMSUBGRU 2 Sailor Mentors At-Risk Youth, Boosts Confidence and Aspirations

By Lt. Cmdr. Jennifer Cragg, Commander, Submarine Group 2 Public Affairs

CRANSTON, R.I. (NNS) -- A Commander, Submarine Group 2 Sailor is giving back to the community through the Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State organization.

Sonar Technician (Submarine) 2nd Class (SS) Antwan Haywood, who regularly volunteers with the organization, discussed his reasons for volunteering and the critical role of mentoring.

"I know personally the impact that a positive role model can have. When I think back to when I was a kid, I'm thankful for and recognize that I have become the man I'm today simply because people took the time to care. It's only right to pay it forward," said Haywood.

Haywood's volunteering falls in line with the Navy's Brilliant on the Basics. Mentorship is one of the six fundamental elements of the program.

SUBGRU 2 Command Master Chief (SS) Wesley Koshoffer praised Haywood's initiative and strong desire to give back to the local community and desire to apply the Navy's mentorship philosophy to the Big Brothers Big Sisters organization.

"We have long recognized that mentorship is foundational to our success as a Navy," said Koshoffer. "Mentorship is extremely important in the development of all young men and women."

The other five core elements of Brilliant on the Basics include sponsorship, indoctrination, career development boards, individual recognition and a robust ombudsman/family outreach program.

Heather Potter, program coordinator, match support specialist, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State emphasized the important role volunteers like Haywood provide, such as guidance and support to minimize at-risk behavior while building aspirations and boosting confidence of the children they mentor.

"Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Ocean State is so proud to have mentors like Antwan Haywood. Antwan has been an amazing support to his Little Brother Hector, who currently resides in the foster care system. Antwan is consistent and dependable. We truly appreciate his dedication to mentoring a child at risk," said Potter.