Team Seymour members volunteer at NFL star, Goldsboro native's football camp

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Shane Dunaway
  • 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
More than a dozen volunteers from Team Seymour gave their time and energy to assist children taking part in the first-ever David Thornton Football Camp Saturday at Goldsboro High School.

The base's contingent made up nearly half of the volunteer effort at DT 50, a camp sponsored by Tennessee Titans linebacker David Thornton and the Wayne County Boys' and Girls' Club, according to Richard Lambert, community readiness consultant.

"It was a collective effort," Mr. Thornton said. "Had it not been for the willingness of many to volunteer their time, energy and effort, the event would not have been as big of a success. It's a blessing to see so many from far and near come help out with the kids."

More than 350 children ages 8-18 participated in the camp, which focused on passing, rushing, receiving, line play, blocking and defense. The camp also took time to instill some life skills into the game plan.

"Unfortunately, there are too few role models out there today who are willing to give up their time to talk to our young people about being a success in life, not just in football or a profession," Mr. Lambert said. "He talked to them about the importance of the little things we do everyday that people sometimes overlook as being important, such as being home at a respectable time in the evening, getting up at a decent hour in the morning, being on time for school, doing your homework and making the right choices as to who to hang around with as friends."

Mr. Thornton, a Goldsboro native, was assisted in his efforts by Indianapolis Colts middle linebacker Gary Brackett, and fellow University of North Carolina alumni Tommy Davis, Cedric Holt and Greg Warren, also a native of Goldsboro.

As mesmerized as they may have been by the star power of the quality athletes who made the camp possible, the volunteers insisted that they were merely the icing on the cake.

"The experience was great," said Airman 1st Class Colby Latiolais, a volunteer from the 4th Equipment Maintenance Squadron. "Helping out the kids was probably better than meeting the players because the kids were so excited to be there. Meeting the players was just an added bonus."

According to Mr. Lambert, the camp was in the planning stages for two years, but due to scheduling conflicts, was unable to get off the ground until now. The success of this camp will ultimately lead to the camp becoming an annual event.