2011 Youth of the Year visits Liberty Wing Published July 24, 2012 By K.C. Radloff HQ USAFE Child & Youth Programs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- The Liberty Wing recently hosted a visit from the 2011 Boys & Girls Clubs of America National Youth of the Year. Nicholas Foley visited as part of the Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe European Summer Leadership Assistant Program. For Nick, a 10-year member of the Sarah Heinz House Boys & Girls Club in Pittsburg, early memories of his life in Boston include domestic fighting between his parents and living in a shelter with his mother. After school one day when he was six, Nicholas' mother didn't come to pick him up. He was quickly placed in the foster care system and bounced around from home to home. That was, until his aunt and her partner took him from Boston to live with them in Pittsburgh and eventually adopted him in 2002. It was his aunt that introduced him to the Boys & Girls Club, and according to Nick it's been a good thing for him. "My Club is the most amazing thing I have ever been a part of," he said. "Since the first time I saw the place, I knew it was where I belonged." Working with staff, volunteers, teens and youth at Lakenheath Youth Programs, Nick helped strengthen Boys & Girls Clubs programming activities offered through the youth center. "I've had many opportunities as the National Youth of the Year," said Nick. "Being selected to visit a U.S. military base in England is definitely one of the high points. I'm looking forward to learning more about military youth and teens and sharing my experiences." The Department of Defense partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of America has entered its 21st year. Implementing core programs in military youth centers around the world has helped ease relocation and transition for thousands of youth and teens.