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The Soldiers, along with other members of the community, were invited to speak about their careers and the opportunities within their various fields ranging from U.S Army military working dog handlers and transportation specialists to local realtors and journalists.
“This is about opening [the students’] eyes and making them more aware of what’s available,” said Dr. Sean Callender, the principal of Booker T. Washington Middle School. “Some people may have a narrow idea of what the military offers … there are many careers and it’s not just about going to the front lines.”
For career day organizer and Booker T. Washington Middle School student counselor Amanda Synder, inviting the military to the event was vital in familiarizing the students with diverse entities in the community.
“The military has a huge presence in the Hampton Roads community; it’s essential to have them come, so students can see what opportunities exist right in their backyard,” said Snyder. “There is a whole world of opportunities within the military and I think a lot of times kids don’t realize that.”
For U.S. Army Sgt Maj. Joel Zecca, sergeant major for the 733rd Security Forces Squadron, who coordinated Fort Eustis’s career day presenters, the objective for his Soldiers was to expose students not only to administrative, mechanical, cyber, law enforcement and logistical careers within the Army, but to emphasize the importance of getting good grades.
As Soldiers visited with the students, they went over how students could prepare for Army life and what to expect, such as taking the Armed Services Vocation Aptitude Battery test to determine career field eligibility, and taking advantage of professional development opportunities once they are in the Army.
“It’s important that you listen to your teachers and pay attention to what they are teaching you now because a lot of what you are learning will apply later in life,” said Staff Sgt. Retina McCarter, 93rd Signal Brigade information assurance noncommissioned officer, referring to the ASVAB.
Along with advocating the importance of good grades, the team also hoped that showcasing a variety of career fields within the Army helped the students understand that there is more to service than combat, and that Fort Eustis plays a role in their community.
“It’s good for the kids to see the Army represented today and that there are all kinds of things you can do in the Army,” said Zecca. “If there ever is an emergency, and we are out in the community assisting, they can say ‘hey those are the guys from Fort Eustis … I know people there.’ I hope the students better understand everything we can do, and see not only the diversity within the people, but the skillsets and the ranks.”
| Date Taken: | 04.01.2016 |
| Date Posted: | 04.06.2016 15:22 |
| Story ID: | 194568 |
| Location: | NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US |
| Hometown: | NEWPORT NEWS, VA, US |
| Web Views: | 132 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Soldiers visit Newport News school for career day, by MSgt Natasha Stannard, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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