Sheppard members earn Big Brother, Big Sister of the year award

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lieutenant Sara Harper
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Two Sheppard members received the Big Brother, Big Sister of the Year award Dec. 8, during the Mayor's Luncheon at the Kemp Center for the Arts in Wichita Falls, Texas.

1st Lt. Ryan Rutter, 459th Flying Training Squadron instructor pilot, and Hannah Knauss, a military spouse, were recognized for their outstanding work and support they had given to their little brother and sister.

Lieutenant Rutter began volunteering in the community two years ago when he was on casual status waiting to start his classes at the Euro-NATO Joint Jet Pilot Training Program.

Lieutenant Rutter first met his little brother Dylan Maxwell, they were placed as lunch buddies in 2008 in the Partners in Education Program. After Lieutenant Rutter and Dylan were matched by BBBS they began spending more time together during the weekends.

Dylan said he enjoys spending time with the lieutenant and doing things like learning how to change the oil in a car, get their hair cut together and anything else that may come up.

"One of my favorite things I have done with Ryan is the Air Show we went to last year at Sheppard," Dylan said.

Dylan's mother, Donna Diaz, said she has seen great improvements in her son since Lieutenant Rutter has been Dylan's Big Brother.

"Being a single mother I am thankful that Ryan can be a positive male role in my son's life." Ms. Diaz said. "Since their friendship began Dylan's grades have gone up and his attitude has improved. He also wants to do air craft maintenance and maybe pursue a career in the Air Force."

Col. Kevin Schneider, 80th Flying Training Wing commander, attended the award ceremony at the Kemp Center for the Arts and said he was proud of all the men and women who go out into the community and be ambassadors and representatives of the military.

"Ryan is a great example of an ambassador to the community," the colonel said. "The U.S. military is a volunteer organization, and it's important to foster relationships and trust with the community around us."

Ms. Knauss said although she was grateful she was given the award, she said today was her and her little sister.

"When we first met we only met a couple of times a month," she said. "Now it doesn't seem out of the ordinary that we spend a good deal of time together. We have formed a really good friendship. Today is not about just me or just her, it's about us and that we earned this award together."