Photo By Sgt. Stephanie Woodson | Spc. Jordean Matthews, a broadcast specialist, assigned to 3rd Armored Brigade Combat...... read more read more
FORT BENNING, Ga. - Pay day activities was not the only activity scheduled for some Soldiers assigned to the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division.
Approximately 20 Sledgehammer Soldiers spent their afternoon at the Boys and Girls Club of Chattahoochee Valley, Columbus, Georgia, Aug. 1, 2014, celebrating the youth’s last day of summer camp.
“My thought on the first day was ‘WOW’ these kids are busy. They ask a handful of questions and whys and the attitude that comes with it from 6 year olds all the way up to 12,” said retired Sgt. 1st Class Donald Wing, who now is the health and lifestyle director of the Boys and Girls Club Chattahoochee Valley. “The experience has been just like the Army but a on a smaller scale.”
The youths come from different background within the Columbus area. The youths, who attend camp during the summer, go to different schools throughout Columbus and their parents work at the Columbus Medical Center.
“Some are a great joy and some could be challenging, just like in the Army. Being the leader you have to instill discipline and structure in them,” he added.
“I think the first couple of days my military background came out. I had them in the gym doing somewhat physical training as part of their conditioning,” said Wing.
“Before they do any type of gym activity they would do push-ups, sit-ups, squats, things of that nature. Let’s just say they caught on real quick,” he added.
“We have it where you have to stay with your age group. That is a challenge in it self,” he said. “We do round robin activities such as fitness, pool, recreation room, arts and crafts, education and a tech lab.”
“The youths are rotated out every hour. This way every child has the opportunity to experience the activities,” he added.
Wing grew up in the Boys Club in Philadelphia. All he did was stay in the gym or recreation room.
“Next year, we’ll be able to control the children who want to just hang in the hallways and play basketball in the gym,” Wing added.
After being here this summer and preparing for next summer, Wing added that the organization knows what works and how to address it.
“It was great seeing the 3rd ID patch. I spent 1991-1995 on Kelley Hill, went to Germany, and returned to the Hill 1998-2001, in 2nd Battalion 69th Armor Regiment,” said Wing.
Engaging with the Soldiers make the youths and teens feel like they’re a part of the Fort Benning Community, instead of it being Fort Benning the gate…Soldiers…and then people in the Columbus area, he added.
Wing said military is not for everybody but if you’re that special somebody, then its a great place for a person to start.
Several teens have aspirations of joining the military including La’Kayla Carter, a team leader, working with 7-8 aged groups.
Carter was attending the teen program at the Boys and Girls Club prior to being a team leader. Carter will be a freshman at Jerdan High School in Columbus, Georgia.
“During the school year, I would go around and ask if anyone needed my help before going home, Carter Said. “Then one day, Ms. Tiffany asked me if I wanted a job. I went and asked my mother; she said I could and then I started working.”
She is sad that summer camp is ending; because of her age, she won’t be able to work during the school year and she will miss the hugs that brighten her day.
“I looked forward to coming to the club because I woke up knowing I could change something in someone’s life,” said Carter.
She recalls everyday how this little girl would ask her everyday “how old are you, how were you able to get this job?” People learn something everyday and if I can be that person that helps someone learn, then my job is done.
“I like to be around Soldiers. When I see Soldiers out, I go up to them and say ‘thank you for what you do and your service,’ ” Carter said.
She said, she likes to hear Soldiers talk about their experiences.
Everyone in her family is a nurse so she will be the first female in her family to join the Army.
“I grew up in a boys club because back then, we didn’t have girls attending. To me, it’s a rewarding thing. You try to make an impression on these up-coming generations — of how to do things the right way. They have a choice. Our part is to at least guide some of them in the right direction. If you are able to reach one, then you know at least one is listening. You might not get everybody but at least you catch one,” said Wing.
| Date Taken: | 08.01.2014 |
| Date Posted: | 08.17.2014 12:12 |
| Story ID: | 139585 |
| Location: | FORT BENNING , GA, US |
| Web Views: | 64 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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