Always Ready Always There

News: Always Ready Always There

167th Theater Sustainment Command

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Story by Sgt. Sandra Lucas Follow This Journalist

Staff Sgt. Sandra Lucas

First Lt. Cortez Fabia, 131st Cavalry from Enterprise, Ala., listens to a question from a student at Hillcrest Middle School in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Fabia is a graduate of Marion Military Institute. The questions from TaMarcus Pruitt’s, Social Study 6 class proved to be much more than simple show and tell. “Is it true the Army won’t accept you if you are flat footed? What is the Iron Cross? Is the M1A1 the common tank? My uncle was with the 101st Airborne, wasn’t that the first to go in on D-Day?” After fielding several questions about weapons systems, Fabia suggested the children should hit the power button and go play outside. Before leaving Fabia encouraged students to do their homework and complemented Pruitt for teaching History.

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. - TaMarcus Pruitt’s Social Study 6 class at Hillcrest Middle School in Tuscaloosa, Ala., learned what it means to be Always Ready Always There. National Guardsmen 1st Lt. Cortez Fabia and 1st Lt. (P) Joseph Sparks, 131st Cavalry from Enterprise, Ala., were giving back to an extremely supportive community.

Fabia and Sparks reported to the Tuscaloosa recovery zone after the deadly EF-4 tornado that swept through the area on April 27.

What they found in the devastation is a community strong with volunteers. According to CBS news, “thousands of volunteers flooded the hard-hit home of the University of Alabama.” Ashley Lowery is one of the volunteers. She found a way to assist National Guardsmen by providing free haircuts.

Impressed by the volunteer spirit in Tuscaloosa, Fabia and Sparks looked for a way to give something back to the community.

The invitation came from Ashley Lowery’s daughter. “She called asking if we would do show and tell at her school. We were happy to accept,” said Sparks.

The show and tell hour extended well beyond without pause. Students asked questions about weapon systems, war history and the requirements to become a National Guardsman.

The lieutenants encouraged students to study hard. “Believe in yourself, work hard to get high grades and pay attention to your physical fitness,” said Sparks.

The room filled with laughter when Fabia reminded students to “do your homework” a student replied “or we will find you.”

“It will get better. Stay strong. We are a community and we will get through this,” said Sparks.