Photo By Ronald Bell | Museum at Thomas C. Marsh Prep Academy which is dedicated to Veterans of the Armed Forces.... read more read more
Dallas, Texas – 807th Medical Command (Deployment Support) Command Sgt. Maj. Robert B. Breck spoke to students at a Veteran’s Day event at the Thomas C. Marsh Prep Academy, Dallas, Texas, November 8, 2018.
Speaking to 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students about leadership, setting an example, and resilience, Breck said, "It was such an honor to visit and speak with each class throughout the day. You can see and feel the level of dedication the students have to do the right thing and stand up for each other and for our service members.”
"These students are looking for something to empower them in life. They want to be part of an organization now that will give them strength to stand up for what is right. They made posters and put them up throughout the school about treating everyone with respect and dignity. It was such a great honor to have been allowed the opportunity to speak to these students and be part of their day”, said Breck.
Addressing 6th Grade students Breck said, “6th grade was hard, it’s [like] the lowest of the enlisted ranks.” Referring to pictures of officers in the classroom, he stated, “they all started out in the 6th grade, just like I did; just like you.”
Breck said, “you have fears and challenges ahead of you.” Directing his next comments towards diversity, conflict, and school house bullying, Breck asked, “do you get along with everyone; why don’t we all get along?”
Students answered that people have different opinions, they like different things, they’re different genders, they have different personalities, they come from different races and cultures, and have different looks.
“It’s ok to be different”, said Breck. He then discussed resilience when getting picked on and addressed different methods of dealing with bullying.
Breck asked students what they can control to be resilient and how they can react when being bullied. He said, “every time something bad happens something good happens out of it.” He referenced how difficult experiences can make individuals stronger. Breck said that being part of the Leadership Cadet Corps is being an example and making a difference and sticking together.
Breck told a story of being in the hotel elevator that morning, and everyone was on their cell phone during a ten-floor ride. He said, “Good morning!” and received a quick “hello” back before their attention returned to their cell phones.
He used this example of how separated people are today. He told the students to say something nice and smart about each other, and about how just saying “hello” to someone you don’t know can make everyone’s day better. It’s easy to just say hello, whether you know someone or not, he said.
Breck stated that being in or out of uniform, people should show respect to each other no matter what level of experience they have. He referred to a Specialist in the room and explained that regardless of rank everyone deserves to be treated with the same level of dignity and respect.
Regarding the experience, Breck said, “I was amazed at the level of professionalism these students showed for each other and for leadership. They have such a great love for our armed forces that they have a museum dedicated to those that have served; as a junior high, it would put to shame other museums that are open to the public."
Breck’s daughter, Jamee Jones, a teacher at the academy, sought an opportunity for her father’s participation at the Veteran’s day event.
"I am so proud of my daughter, Jamee Jones, for putting me in contact with Cpl. M. Gaytan, a teacher at the Academy and a former United States Marine Corps service member. The classroom discussions and reception provided me the opportunity to speak, not only to the classes during the day, but also to the public that was invited to honor our Veterans before Veterans Day. The school, in my eyes, has gone above and beyond the call to show their respect and dedication to our Veterans. I will forever be grateful for that opportunity."
| Date Taken: | 12.02.2018 |
| Date Posted: | 12.02.2018 14:51 |
| Story ID: | 301954 |
| Location: | SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US |
| Hometown: | DALLAS, TX, US |
| Hometown: | SALT LAKE CITY, UT, US |
| Web Views: | 90 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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