FSS Heroes!

FSS Heroes is a page meant to recognize different members of the squadron and how they contribute to the community.

Ms. Cristina Reyes-Cruz, a Child & Youth Program Assistant assigned to the Ft Sam Houston, School Age Program led the way to implement measures, train peers, brief supervisors to exceed local protocols to mitigate the transmission of COVID-19 and other communicable diseases. While school districts were continuing classes via electronic media, Ms. Cruz volunteered to assist with the connectivity to ensure all youth learning virtually were online and able to complete assignments and communicate with their teacher every day. Life skills is another component where Ms. Cruz excels. With the need of cloth masks exceeding supply, she used available resources and taught youth how to cut patterns, sew the design and attach the elastic to complete a functional mask. Ms. Cruz's sewing club completed 64 masks that were donated to essential personnel assigned to JBSA-Fort Sam Houston. Although we are experiencing a different method of delivering services to our enrolled youth, Ms. Cruz singlehandedly planned, presented for approval, and implemented an Asian American Pacific Islander heritage event. The event included a keynote speaker, performance costumes created by youth, a display of tasty treats showcasing the heritage. Sixteen youth members danced to "Te Tama Ma'ohi" and all 65 in attendance enjoying the afternoon event. Ms. Cruz, is our 502 FSS Super Hero who selflessly provided engaging activities for youth in a safe manner while addressing cultural awareness and developing skills to overcome their personal challenges with the new normal. Well done!

Ms. Michelle Castillo has been instrumental in the training of two Child Development Center's on Fort Sam Houston during COVID-19. With the large increase of additional duties and responsibilities Michelle has stayed up to speed on staff and child observations, required training topics, New Employee Orientation, child transitions, and classroom environments. Finally, throughout the course of COVID-19 Michelle continues to lead an extremely large group of CDC staff in the right direction with training, keeping a positive attitude, and inspiring the staff to accomplish more individual growth and development.