Meadows Elementary welcomes ambassador

Courtesy Photo | Lt. Col. William Davis, the commander of the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, (right) greets Dr. Hamdullah Mohib, the Afghan ambassador to the U.S., (left) during his visit to Meadows Elementary School at Fort Hood, Texas. The ambassador noted that he wished his childhood in Soviet-occupied Afghanistan has offered the many opportunities the students at Meadows enjoy. (U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Dale K. Willson, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team UPAR, 1st Cav. Div. (released)  

FORT HOOD, TX, UNITED STATES

05.05.2016

Courtesy Story

3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division

By 2nd Lt. Dale K. Willson
3rd ABCT UPAR, 1st Cav. Div.

FORT HOOD, Texas – The doors of Meadows Elementary School opened May 5 to welcome Ambassador Hamdullah Mohib and his wife Lael, showcasing the strong relationship between the school and its adopted unit, the 2nd Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division.
Mohib, the Afghan ambassador to the United States, met with students, faculty and 2-82 FA commander Lt. Col. William Davis, along with his wife, toured the elementary school.
The ambassador was greeted immediately by two Meadows student ambassadors, who presented a certificate of appreciation to the couple for their visit.
After introductions, the couple were led to the school library where students were practicing reading and other skills. They were particularly impressed with the award-winning robotics program at Meadows, as students who were practicing for future competitions gave Mohib a crash course in machine operations.
After learning the basics of robotics, the two had an in-depth conversation with teachers and staff on the role of education in the lives of the students at the elementary school.
“Ninety-two percent of the students here at Meadows are children of service members,” school Principal Nancy Duran said. “Some even have two parents who are in the military and face unique challenges in their everyday life.”
When Mohib noticed some pictures on a wall of the school, Davis took the opportunity to speak about the unique relationship between his battalion and Meadows Elementary, noting that the battalion officially adopted the school last year and has been a consistent presence in student life ever since.
In 2015, students and soldiers of the 2-82 toured the 1st Cavalry Division museum together, shared a meal at a nearby dining facility, practiced their marksmanship skills in the Engagement Skills Trainer and practiced room clearing techniques. The event was called “A Day in the Life of a Soldier,” and it was such a success that the battalion is currently planning another one for the upcoming school year.
Having grown up in Soviet-occupied Afghanistan where his education was stifled, Mohib said that he wished his own childhood was filled with the opportunities enjoyed by Meadows Elementary students.
“Children are the future,” he said. “We should value their accomplishments and support their efforts.”

• Date Taken: 05.05.2016
• Date Posted: 05.10.2016 17:35
• Story ID: 197817
• Location: FORT HOOD, TX, US