318th Chemical Company supports recruiting events

Photo By Maj. Michael Garcia | Soldiers of the 318th Chemical Company out of Birmingham, Ala., supported the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Magic City football classic event, Oct. 25-29, 2016, in order to enhance recruiting efforts and to promote awareness of the benefits of Army Reserve service in the HBCU community. Magic City Classic (MCC) was hosted in the city of Birmingham and featured instate rivals Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University. These two HBCUs are the largest in the State of Alabama. The MCC is managed by the Alabama Sports Foundation and attracts over 70,000 fans each year making it the highest attended Black College Football game in the country.  

BIRMINGHAM, AL, UNITED STATES

10.26.2016

Story by Maj. Michael Garcia 

76th Operational Response Command

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Soldiers of the 318th Chemical Company (CM CO) out of Birmingham, Ala., supported the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) Magic City football classic event, Oct. 25-29, 2016, in order to enhance recruiting efforts and to promote awareness of the benefits of Army Reserve service in the HBCU community.
Magic City Classic (MCC) was hosted in the city of Birmingham and featured instate rivals Alabama State University and Alabama A&M University. These two HBCUs are the largest in the State of Alabama. The MCC is managed by the Alabama Sports Foundation and attracts over 70,000 fans each year making it the highest attended Black College Football game in the country.
“Our mission was to interact with the possible prospects and give them information regarding the U.S. Army and the U.S. Army Reserve opportunities,” said Sgt. Ronald Lewis Jr., 318th CM CO, communication noncommissioned officer.
Participation in the MCC provided the Army with school visits and utilized the Go Army Experience Tour assets in order to employ Soldiers to engage and connect with prospects during activations. The aviation trailer, which includes two motion simulators, allowed participants to Experience a 3-minute Apache helicopter flight training simulation. The Army stage (fitness trailer) was used for participants to compete in a timed, three-tiered challenge: TRX Machine, Vision Coach, and Push-Up/Sit-Up Mat. These activities provided the opportunity for recruiters to interact, encourage or participate with prospects and influencers. It also allowed recruiters to gauge prospects fitness levels.
“What i enjoyed the most in this event was the interaction. We got the chance to talk to the students one-on-one and they responded with no pressure. I felt they got the answers they were looking for and they were very enthused about joining the military,” said Lewis.
The U.S. Army is proud to participate in the Magic City Classic to share the available opportunities. The Army is one of the largest providers of college scholarships, and partners with more than 1,900 community colleges and four-year universities to provide educational opportunities for Soldiers during or after service. As a Soldier in the Army Reserve, you'll earn money for education, cash bonuses, discounted health care, build retirement and more. All while you pursue your civilian career or continue your education.

• Date Taken: 10.26.2016
• Date Posted: 11.07.2016 16:55
• Story ID: 214071
• Location: BIRMINGHAM, AL, US
• Hometown: ANNISTON, AL, US
• Hometown: SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US