Photo By David San Miguel | U.S. Army Reserve Spc. Sukhdev Khera, a UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter crew chief with...... read more read more
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FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Armed with the memories of her “poppa’s” flying days, fifth-grader Alisha Williamson jumped off the bus with 23 other students here, April 1, eager to learn more about her grandfather’s helicopter experiences.
The New Century International Elementary School students traveled to Simmons Army Airfield to enjoy time with Army Reserve aviators from Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 169th Aviation Regiment. The Soldiers partner with the school to provide the students with mentorship, fun and hands-on experience, while answering any questions they may have about Army aviation.
The field trip complemented the school’s “Lunch Buddy” program which matches students with mentors from area military and business communities, said Mary Bethea, NCIES guidance counselor.
“The mentors help motivate and inspire them to become productive citizens,” she said.
“This outing helps build their self-esteem and invites them to have more social interaction,” Bethea said, adding that events like this helps some students adjust socially.
To maximize interaction with the aviators, the counselor said she limits field trip participation to 24 students.
With limited seats available, she said, “students who wish to make the field trip must be active participants of the “lunch buddy” program, maintain a good grade point average and have no disciplinary issues.”
Angie Frassel, a parent chaperone, said the program and field trip increased her son’s interest in education and has brought him out socially.
“This year, Jack’s self-esteem has soared,” Frassel said. “Not only have his grades improved, but so has his self confidence. He’s also learning about the Army and how military service can translate into a civilian career.”
For other students on the trip, this was their first introduction to the Army and an opportunity to explore the aircraft up close and to talk with the pilots and crew chiefs, the counselor said.
We have pilots, and others connected with the aviation unit, who come out to the school and eat with the students on a monthly basis as part of the “lunch buddy” program, Bethea said. “The aviators serve as positive role models for our students some of which have parents who are serving in the military and who are deployed.”
While most of the students climbed aboard the aircraft and tried their hand at the controls, Williamson quizzed the aviators and jotted down notes for her school report.
“I decided to write a report about the aircraft because of my poppa,” she said. “Getting into the helicopter, I wanted to learn how he may have felt flying it.”
In addition to her grandfather’s service, Williamson said her parents had also served in the military.
She also noted that many American aviators often painted images on their helicopters to illustrate their pride and service for the aircraft and their jobs.
“They love their helicopter and the work that they do,” she said.
Capt. Jason Stanley, company commander, said the aviators enjoy the opportunity to interact with the students and show off what they do.
“I call this a no-cost operation because I don’t have to take the aircraft out to an elementary school or to a Boy Scout camp,” Stanley said. “Anytime I can get the youth out here, help push them in the right direction, encourage them to set goals and help them identify their potential, it’s a win-win situation for us, the students and the school.”
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 04.04.2014 13:07 |
| Story ID: | 124279 |
| Location: | FORT BRAGG, NC, US |
| Web Views: | 242 |
| Downloads: | 2 |
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