Photo By Sgt. Beyonka Joseph | Louisiana Army National Guardsmen Sgt. Lex B. Putnam of New Orleans, helps cadets of...... read more read more
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HARVEY, La. – Local Louisiana National Guardsmen treated students of the West Jefferson High School Air Force Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps program to a day of fun and relaxation during their annual Military Day picnic in Harvey, La., March 13.
"These events are a way to show the students what the National Guard is all about," explained Staff Sgt. Luis A. Mejia of the LANG's Recruiting and Retention Command and event coordinator. "Many of the kids are not aware of all the positive things that the Guard is involved in and how we are a big part of our communities."
The young cadets were given the opportunity to interact with Soldiers from the 1st Battalion, 141st Field Artillery Regiment, the 205th Engineer Battalion and the 204th Theater Aviation Operations Group. The students also interacted with various military equipment to include a howitzer, boat display and a Blackhawk helicopter.
"It's is a great way for us to give back to the students for their community service and give them a chance to mingle with the different groups of the Guard," said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Terrance W. Heart, senior aerospace science instructor at WJHS. "We want them to know that we value the special things that they are doing, and we're proud of their accomplishments. They have logged over 20,000 hours of community service."
There are approximately 361 cadets in the WJHS JROTC organization. The program provides ninth through 12th grade students with an advanced science education curriculum and leadership, while earning college credits.
"This was a great experience for me," said 17-year-old Kenneth D. Royale of New Orleans. "I love helicopters and hopefully, I can become a pilot one day."
JROTC is sponsored by the U.S. Armed Forces and also provides high school students with the opportunity to develop good citizenship and patriotism.
"Our goal is to build the students into better leaders and citizens," said retired Master Sgt. Wayne D. Gaudin, aerospace science instructor. "Having the National Guard come out is a great example for the kids. They really look up to the Soldiers.
In addition to the displays, students engaged in outdoor competitions and took part in a rock climbing challenge. "The rock climbing wall is definitely a hit with the kids," said Sgt. Lex B. Putnam, a LANG recruiter.
"They seem to enjoy it a lot more than college students we visit," the New Orleans resident laughed.
| Date Taken: | 03.19.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 03.24.2009 10:35 |
| Story ID: | 31533 |
| Location: | HARVEY, US |
| Web Views: | 386 |
| Downloads: | 286 |
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