FORT HOOD, Texas – More than 75 students from the Southwest Elementary School of Belton, Texas, visited the “Red Dragons” on Fort Hood, Texas, for a fact-finding field trip May 14.

Soldiers from Alpha Battery, 3rd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, “Red Dragons,” 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, sponsored an Adopt-A-School 5th grade field trip for students from SWE in their motor pool showing examples of the day-to-day operations of a soldier.

“During our events at the school students are always asking about our work, what are our jobs? This is an opportunity to show them,” said 1st Lt. Jeremy Ditlevson, platoon leader for A. Btry.

“Students have these ideas of what the military is like, what soldiers do, usually impressions they receive from the news,” explained Ditlevson. “However, the children at SWE don’t have close contact with Fort Hood as those in Killeen. This is our chance to give them a real perspective into soldiers’ daily lives and the positive influence we have on the community.”

Students enjoyed the day in two phases: morning was reserved for students to get a hands-on look at soldiers’ vehicles and equipment; the afternoon was an opportunity for students to see soldiers train at the Forth Hood Confidence Course and Rappel Tower.

Students were introduced to a M109A6 (Paladin) Howitzer, a Forward Repair System, a Palletized Load System, a Carrier Ammunition Tracked Vehicle, a Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, and training such as rappelling off of and maneuvering around obstacles.

“We wanted the students to see how we perform our jobs and how we train,” said Ditlevson, Alpha’s adopt-a-school liaison. Additionally, the trip strengthened the relationship between the students, faculty and school.

“We have such a great relationship with the military, especially the Red Dragons,” stated Anna Vazquez, SWE counselor and liaison for the adopt-a-school program. “Their demeanor and attitudes while sponsoring school events teaches the students about respect, not just for themselves but for others as well.”

This is the first time the SWE 5th grade class has been to Fort Hood, added Vazquez.

“Showing the students doing the right thing over the wrong and working hard on any task they are performing will definitely payoff later in life,” said Sgt. Fachon Clair section chief for A. Btry.

Clair has worked with the SWE under the AAS program for almost two years. He felt that bringing the children on the field trip was an opportunity to show the school that soldiers have the children’s best interest at heart.

Alpha Btry. has sponsored eight school events this year and is scheduled to help with the SWE carnival this month.

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