Pensacola, Fla. – Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida (BBBSNWFL) announces United States Navy Logistics Specialist First Class, Kwame Kusi Appiahas the 2020 Ron Mobayed Military Big of the Year.
The Ron Mobayed Award was established as a memorial to the life of Lt. Ronald Joseph Mobayed, who was an outstanding Big Brother while he was stationed in Pensacola for flight training in the early 1990s. Tragically, Ron and his crew were killed in the line of duty on October 3, 1995. This award is presented to pay tribute to our military volunteers in honor of Ron’s love and dedication to the Military Armed Forces and is awarded to a Big like Kwame, who exemplifies the spirit of Ron through their commitment to their Little, to the Big Brothers Big Sisters agency, and to the children of their community.
Kwame has a heart of gold and a passion for giving back. Kwame was matched with his Little Brother Skyler in 2017 when Skyler was a 6-year-old kindergartener. Kwame is a part of the US Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the Blue Angels. Skylar loves going to the hangar and watching them practice. Kwame saw becoming a Big Brother as an opportunity to give back and mentor a young man. “For a kid who grew up knowing my father from a distance, I came to appreciate the value and presence of a father figure has in a young man’s life,” Kwame commented. “I want to pay it forward to someone who may not have the chances I did and that is why I mentor. I hope to inspire Skylar and provide him with all the help that he needs as he grows up.”
Kwame always has a smile on his face and kind uplifting words to turn someone’s day around. He is a role model to Skylar and challenges him to excel both behaviorally and academically. Kwame has helped Skylar improve his grades and instilled in him how important it is to give back and volunteer. Kwame’s Little Brother, Skylar said, “We always have a great time when we are together.”
Now, more than ever, our children need mentors. Be the change a child needs. To learn more about how to become a Defender of Potential visit our website.