209th Aviation Support Battalion shares reading time with Kipapa Elementary

Photo By Master Sgt. Tyrone Marshall | 2nd Lt. Veronica Carter (far right), C Co., 209th Aviation Support Battalion, and Kim...... read more read more

Photo By Master Sgt. Tyrone Marshall | 2nd Lt. Veronica Carter (far right), C Co., 209th Aviation Support Battalion, and Kim Shinsato (far left), a teacher, listen as Valerie Broussard, Kipapa Elementary School's Parent Community Network Center Facilitator, reads off Soldiers' classroom assignments in Kipapa's library prior to a Christmas reading program event, in Mililani, Hawaii, Dec. 4. Carter helped coordinate the reading event with Broussard as 209th ASB joined in a partnership with Kipapa Elementary School to help maintain strong ties between the military and local communities.  see less | View Image Page

UNITED STATES

12.09.2008

Story by Staff Sgt. Tyrone Marshall 

25th Combat Aviation Brigade

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By Staff Sgt. Tyrone C. Marshall Jr.
25th Combat Aviation Brigade Public Affairs

WHEELER ARMY AIRFELD, Hawaii – Reading can be considered the lynchpin in the success of a child's educational experience since it promotes literacy, language skills and reading comprehension.

This can be further beneficial to children when they are read aloud to which is exactly what the "Lobos" of the 209th Aviation Support Battalion did.

Soldiers from the 209th ASB, in partnership with Kipapa Elementary School's staff, spent a day interacting with students as the bonds between the Schofield Barracks community and the local community continues to flourish.

With a Christmas backdrop, 30 Soldiers read stories to Kipapa Elementary School students ranging from kindergarten to 5th grade. Some readers wore colorful Santa Claus hats or elf hats with their uniforms to give their classes a jovial feel.

"It was fun reading to the kids and interacting with them," said Sgt. Lakisha Long, B Co., 209th ASB, who read to 3rd graders. "I really liked it, and I felt like they were entertained and listened well."

As the volunteer readers spread throughout the school, small huddles of children sat at their feet as they read story after story, and in some cases, book after book, to the delight of each student.

Pfc. Jessica Raby, a volunteer reader from Headquarters Support Company, 209th ASB, also enjoyed herself and used the opportunity to further her passion to be a teacher.

"Spending time with the kids was definitely a lot of fun," she said with a smile. "I've always thought I was good at explaining things ... but I've never had to put it to practice. This actually gave me a chance to stand in front of people and see if I could hold their attention. I asked them questions as I read to them and had them read to each other."

Raby continued, "I engaged the kids – they helped each other read, they read aloud to each other, they read to me, they recounted the story and I definitely think that's because they were engaged [in the reading]."

With reading so critical to the early success of a child's development, Valerie Broussard, Kipapa Elementary School's Parent Community Networking Center Facilitator, spoke of the importance of reading aloud.

"They see how important reading is. They feel if the Soldiers are so busy and they take the time to come to my class and read to me then reading is an essential part. I think that's how they would see it."

2nd Lt. Veronica Carter, C Co., 209th ASB, agreed and shared what she discussed as she read to her 5th grade class.

"I try to reiterate that when I talk to them. A lot of times they just see us come in uniform and their impressed. But it's not just uniforms. You're a normal person that has to do something to get where you're at. You can get to the military, but if you don't educate yourself, be disciplined, you'll never progress to another rank, make more money and whatever comes with that."

With both children and adults alike enjoying the experience, everyone seemed to recognize the importance of the partnership between 209th ASB and Kipapa Elementary School.

"I think it's rewarding for the children to have the Soldiers come in and read them a story. Everybody loves to have a story read to them no matter what their age is," said Broussard. "The teachers love having the participation of the military partnership and I think the Soldiers enjoy that little bit of down time when they can go in and enjoy the company of a five, six or seven-year olds."

"It was important that the Army put its best foot forward with the community," said Capt. Mark Dudley, commander, HSC, 209th ASB. "The best way that I think you can do that is getting out there and getting involved especially with the school. Show kids, at a very young age, that the military is a very positive force."

"It allowed the children to experience the military in a very personal and sincere way. I think it really gave them a good impression of the military," concluded Dudley.