Courtesy Photo | A soldier from the 1st Cavalry Division lifts up a student from Oveta Culp Hobby...... read more read more
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FORT HOOD, Texas -- Soldiers from the 1st Air Cavalry Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division, took time to interact with students from Oveta Culp Hobby Elementary School during 'field day' activities, May 18.
Throughout the day, students had the opportunity to learn about military machinery such as the UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter and the M2 Bradley Fighting Vehicle that were on static display.
Hobby Elementary is the official adopted school of the 2nd General Support Aviation Battalion, 227th Aviation Regiment, 1st ACB.
The event helped further strenthen the bond between the school and the soldiers of the 2-227th, said Todd Kunders, the school's principal.
"Our children have built some strong relationships with the soldiers over the past year," said Kunders.
Building these relationships has served as an important part of the students' academic growth, added Kunders.
"They (the soldiers) are great role models for the students," said Kunders. "A lot of our kids' moms and dads are deployed, so for them to have another adult figure in their lives...it's huge."
Chief Warrant Officer 2 Anthony Smith, from West Liberty, Ohio, helped organize the event and normally helps coordinate activities between the unit and the school.
"It's all about the kids here today...they're out here having a good time and that is the goal," said Smith.
"When mom and dad can't be here, it's up to us to cover down," he added. "Not that we could ever fill those shoes, but it's good to show our support and show these kids that they just aren't loved by their parents, but by other soldiers as well."
Aside from the static displays, the day featured activities such as tug-of-war, hot potato relays and inflatable water slides. Kunders said he felt everyone involved had a good time.
"It's hard to tell who's having more fun out here: the soldiers or the kids," said Kunders.
Jordan Cook, a fifth grader at Hobby, said enjoying the 'spirit of water' was the best part of the day's events.
Cook, who took every opportunity to run through the inflatable 'slip and slide', said more than anything, she appreciated the fact that the soldiers took the time to come out and support her school.
"It really opens up your eyes," she said. "They're not here just to be here, they're here because they want to help out."
Soldiers do more in garrison than just train for combat operations, said Smith. Events like these help provide a different perspective to what soldiers do, he added.
"This was a great effort to show a family side to our soldiering skills," said Smith. "We're not just war fighters. We're real people with real hearts who care about our community."
| Date Taken: | 05.22.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 05.22.2012 14:36 |
| Story ID: | 88805 |
| Location: | FORT HOOD, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 175 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 1st Air Cav troopers support 'field day' with adopted school, by SFC Joe Armas, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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