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30 Fredericksburg Parent and Family • May 2015 by SUSAN lARSON B ig brothers big Sisters part- nered with the Stavros Niarchos Foundation to create the Military Mentoring Program for children in mili- tary families. "Children with caregivers in the military often face exceptional challenges, including separation, instability, loss and resulting poor academics," said Michelle Hedrich, executive director of Rappahannock big brothers big Sisters (RbbbS). TINA AND KETURAH big Sister Tina butler and little Sister Keturah have been matched in the Military Mentoring Program for more than one year. "little Sister Keturah's father was active duty Army when he was killed in a motor- cycle accident," Hedrich said. "Keturah was very young when the accident occurred." "Keturah never talks about her dad when we're out," butler said. "She talks about what we are doing and what the plans are for the next time we meet up. We also talk about school, her grades and the books she is reading." DRAWN BY HER HEART big Sister Tina butler has been an edu- cator for more than 15 years, has three sons and is involved with her nieces and nephews. She says it was her heart that drew her to volunteer with big brothers big Sisters. "I wanted to be a mentor because it would make a difference in a child's life." Mentors in the Military Mentoring Program do not need military experience. As with all matches, the staff at RbbbS makes them based on many factors, including personalities, interests, schedul- ing and requests. "Tina exceeds her role as mentor and friend to Keturah, by listening to any concerns Keturah has and offering her sound advice," Hedrich said. "She is dedicated and commit- ted to making a positive impact in little Sister Keturah's life." WE MAKE A GOOD TEAM "I really enjoy having a little Sister who appreciates the small things in life," butler said. "It doesn't take much to please Keturah. She reminds me so much of myself when I was growing up. I think that's why we make such a good team." butler and Keturah enjoy baking cookies, making homemade ice cream, and creating bracelets and other craft projects. little Sister Keturah also helps her big Sister prepare for class activities. Keturah is an avid soccer player. butler attends her prac- tices and games. She also helped Keturah sell $600 worth of Girl Scout cookies this year, surpassing Keturah's goal. "My Mentors for Children in Military Families Tina and Keturah BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS THE SERIES This article is fourth in a yearlong series on Rappahannock big brothers big Sisters, written by Susan larson for Fredericksburg Parent and Family. The previous articles are: APRIL 2015 - "big brothers big Sisters Mentoring Relationships are Changing lives" Part 2: big brother Gerald Fennemore and little brother Aaron MARCH 2015 – "Mentoring Relationships are Changing lives" big Sister Sally Cooney Anderson and little brother Chima FEBRUARY 2015 – "Giving and Receiving Through Rappahannock big brothers big Sisters" big Sister Nicole Frazier and little Sister Jasmine