Community educators visit RAF Lakenheath

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Christopher S. Sparks
  • 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  

 Senior officials from surrounding RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall schools visited for a base tour and an open forum discussion at RAF Lakenheath, England Dec. 14.

The meeting served as an introduction and networking opportunity for both parties.

“We wanted to engage with our British community educators and improve our partnership with British schools,” said Jacquline Jaramillo, RAF Lakenheath school liaison officer.

Eleven primary schools were represented from the local area, some of which have up to 50 percent of their students comprised of American children.

During the meeting, the head teachers had the chance to explain the different rules and regulations of their respective schools to base leadership. In return, they were given a better understanding of base operations, deployments, temporary duty assignments and permanent change of station and what those requirements mean for military children and families.

“The discussions allowed us to explore key issues both from the base family’s perspective and that of U.K. schools,” said Colin Haley, St. Mary’s Primary Academy Mildenhall principal. “Understanding the different perspectives and processes in place is critical to ensuring both sides can provide maximum support to the families. Communication is key and the dialogue we had went a long way to combatting misconceptions and providing the knowledge to jointly support U.S. families.”

Visiting officials were also shown base school facilities, the hospital, housing, and a static aircraft display.

48th Fighter Wing attendees included, wing leadership, the Airman Family Readiness Center readiness noncommissioned officer and the base special education coordinator who offered the educators different base resources and the chance to connect with military members.

“They went away very enthusiastic about what we do here and how we wish to support them in the future,” said Stephanie Robins, RAF Lakenheath community relations advisor.

The base hopes to work with local British community schools to coordinate more events, such as having military members speak at the schools or conducting base tours for students.

“It’s important that we establish and maintain a relationship with our British educators to ensure support for our military children and their families,” said Jaramillo. “That will also open the doors for more community-like events similar to this one in the future.”