Duty, Honor, Country – After retiring from a 26-year military career, I felt a personal void. I had spent my entire adult life serving a greater purpose than myself, and I struggled to gain traction in this new chapter. I sought fulfillment in areas I thought would benefit me and my family. I got a job, joined veteran organizations and served on a non-profit board.  Yet none of these efforts filled the emptiness I felt. Looking back, I realized I missed inspiring others into action and being part of their growth. I also felt a responsibility to give back to the community that had given me so much: education, direction, accountability, and safety.

My wife encouraged me to keep searching for purpose. She discovered Mentor Squad, seeing how important it was to the community we grew up in. She knew there were children who needed hope.
I was skeptical at first. I joined the program thinking I lacked the skills to meet its goals. Everything changed after my first outing with Payson-I finally connected to the purpose of Mentor Squad.

Payson has been my buddy for the last five years. His mother and I have watched his behaviors change-excelling in school, learning to trust, bravely trying new things and taking responsibility.  What do we do together?  Its as simple as a trip to the zoo, a walk, grabbing a bite to eat or visiting the arcade.

As a mentor I found purpose in supporting my community, becoming a male role model for a young man who tragically lost his father. You may not think your presence can make a difference, but I truly believe that it can.

I believe my service brings hope.  Hope that the past doesn't define a life and that children can discover their own path.  Hope that a community can offer compassion, growth, and confidence by simply being present.  Hope that one positive influence can help them define their trajectory.

We need our community to champion this program.  Kids simply need someone who will spend time with them, show them compassion, share experiences, and most importantly, offer them hope.

Letter from Tony, Mentor Squad Mentor

This year marks an eight-year match anniversary for mentee Kevin and his mentor Nash. “Kevin loves his time with Nash and his family,” says Kevin’s mom. “Nash is a wonderful role model, and it doesn’t matter how long it has been in between their visits it’s like they were never apart.”

​“Nash has become like family to us and Kevin is so excited to be a part of Nash’s young daughter’s life. Kevin says he couldn’t ask for a better big brother.”

    When Max was matched with his mentor Logan this past year through Mentor Squad, he discovered Logan is colorblind like him. Together they went to Fort Lincoln to experience nature’s colors by wearing EnChroma glasses, provided by the ND Parks Department. They saw nature completely different with the glasses! Mom’s eyes were a bit teary while she watched Max get excited about the difference between blue and purple and when he told her he can see that her hair, skin, and eyes are a different color than he thought. It was really heartwarming to capture this special moment between them. Max’s mom told him “that’s so cool for you guys.” Max replied “well Mom it’s not really cool that we’re both colorblind but it’s pretty cool that we get to see color for the first time together.” Max has officially declared that all he wants for Christmas is a pair of EnChroma glasses because “today was the best day of his life.”

Gate City Bank generously donated Scheel’s gift cards to all of the children in the program. It was a very thoughtful way to show support to our families by purchasing much needed back-to-school items. Amy Mazigian and Jake Fisketjon, Gate City Bank and Deanna Larson, Mentor Squad (center) 

     This past year, a 13-year old boy named Noah was matched with a youthful senior. The mentor, Joel, is a hardworking, kind man who is teaching Noah handyman skills, a strong work ethic, and to be more respectful of others. He bought an old 1973 Ford lawnmower at the beginning of the summer and fixed it up. He taught Noah how to mow lawns well and helped him develop a customer base. They found a used car they plan to fix up together this winter in time for him to start learning how to drive. He took him to the DMV and got the paperwork to get his driver’s permit too.
     
​     Noah’s mom has noticed her son is generally happier, more respectful, and is learning friendship and valuable life skills. Noah is also learning that chores can be fun and feels a sense of accomplishment when a task is completed. Mom says, “He is a different kiddo since meeting Joel. God has brought us an absolute angel just when we needed it most.” 

​Trent and Kelsey are a married couple who volunteered to become mentors to youth in the Bismarck-Mandan area. They were matched respectively with Kaiden and Michaela - who happen to be brother and sister! The couple have been great mentors to Kaiden and Michaela. They get to have fun as a group, and have the opportunity to spend quality one-onone time with their mentees.

From the grandparents
As grandparents raising grandchildren, we find ourselves lacking the youthful energy the children need. The Mentor Squad brought Trent and Kelsey into our lives at just the right time. The kids love spending time with them. They have enjoyed swimming, going to the zoo, bowling, learning about hunter safety, playing board games, and playing at the park and playground. The mentors add so much to our family and have brought a wonderful, positive presence into our lives. We are truly blessed to be involved in this program.
​- Grandparents Kris and Kevin

From the mentees
“Being with Trent is the most fun I've had in my entire childhood! He is really cool and likes a lot of the same things that I do, and teaches me to do things that I have never done before.” - Kaiden

​“Kelsey is fun and plays with me, she asks what I want to do and does the girly things with me that I like to do.” - Michaela

Erica and Kaeli have been matched for five years. Kaeli loves trying new things with Erica, such as going to new restaurants that she's never been to before or going out for ice cream.

Kaeli is going to be getting her permit soon; with the help of Erica she will be driving like a pro in no time. Some of the things they love about each other is being able to have another support person in their lives. Erica has loved watching Kaeli become the woman she is today over the past five years and Kalie loves that Erica goes with her on new adventures every time they hang out. When they want a relaxing day they do each other's nails and watch movies.

Braun has been matched with twin brothers Deakon and Talon for the last two years. Mom says, “He has gone above and beyond the call of a Big Brother. It warms my heart that someone with their own family and busy life, has taken the time to teach my boys how to be good people.

​"I thought when I signed up for this mentor program, it would be a great opportunity for me to help someone else. To be honest, I have learned and gotten so much out of this amazing program! I strongly suggest anyone that has a little free time to jump in and get involved with BisMan Mentor Squad." -Braun