Abraham Lincoln Elementary School hosted their annual Career Day

Photo By Staff Sgt. Carlos J. Garcia | Army Sgt. Edgar A. Valdez-De Leon, a public affairs specialist, assigned to the 220th Public Affairs Detachment, Southfield, Mich., is a guest speaker for career day at the Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, May 5th, 2017, in Cicero, Ill. Valdez-De Leon explains how the U.S. Army Reserve has provided an opportunity for education and career advancement.  

CICERO, IL, UNITED STATES

05.05.2017

Story by Sgt. Carlos J. Garcia 

220th Public Affairs Detachment

CAREER
CICERO, Ill. (May 5, 2017) – Sgt. Carlos J. Garcia and Sgt. Edgar A. Valdez-De Leon, both public affairs specialists, assigned to the U.S. Army Reserve 220th Public Affairs Detachment in Southfield, Michigan participated in the Annual Career Day hosted by Abraham Lincoln Elementary School, May 5, in Cicero, Illinois.
Lincoln Elementary hosts an annual career day event for its graduating class of sixth-grade students to get them thinking about what kind of career they may be passionate about or want to pursue.
“Speaking in front of children is new territory for me,” Garcia said.
Although public speaking is typical for him, he was not sure what to expect this time, said Garcia.
“I am happy to have the opportunity to come and represent the Army Reserve today,” Valdez said.
Valdez has served in the military for over 15-years in both the U.S. Marine Corps and U.S. Army.
Being able to motivate students at a mostly Hispanic elementary school is very rewarding, said Valdez. Because students can see that with hard work and perseverance they can achieve any goal they set for themselves.
Mary Loss, a reading coach at Lincoln Elementary, invited both Garcia and Valdez.
“I feel blessed to have representatives from the Army to talk to my students,” Loss said.
“Answering questions from the students like 'Why did I join the military?' helped me speak from the heart,” said Garcia.
Loss extended an invitation for Garcia and Valdez to attend the next scheduled career day event at Lincoln Elementary.
Some of the other participants in the event were firefighters, police officers, librarians, and other local professionals.
Career day at Lincoln Elementary has been held for over 10 years.
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• Date Taken: 05.05.2017
• Date Posted: 08.08.2017 11:57
• Story ID: 235121
• Location: CICERO, IL, US