Thank you for the opportunity to answer that question.
I've been involved in the community since 2005. I've seen people...mostly young men, because the demographic does slide to young men participating in airsoft, although that's broadening now. The appeal is broadening. I've seen young men change before my eyes over a period of a couple of years, from basement dwellers who don't see the light of day to young men who are empowered and who become leaders and mentors in their own right.
This is what keeps me involved in it. I'm way older than most people who are involved in airsoft, but this is what keeps me involved in this community: the transformation that happens with young men and women who get involved in it. It's inspiring to see.
There are few opportunities for young people to learn leadership skills, and this is one of the environments where it does happen. They learn confidence and learn how to interact with other people in a collaborative and co-operative way. All of these skills are learned and developed on the airsoft field. The transformation of young people into becoming adults, becoming entrepreneurs, starting businesses and getting jobs to pay for their hobby really is something to see.
The impact is very large, and that letter is a very good example of the kinds of things we hear every day.