Photo By Maj. Alun Thomas | Erika Torres, social media specialist, Phoenix Recruiting Battalion, engages Sgt. 1st...... read more read more
FORT CARSON, Colo. - A group of 15 educators and community partners from Arizona and New Mexico joined leadership from the Phoenix Recruiting Battalion for an Educators Tour here April 28-29.
The purpose of the tour was to provide a comprehensive orientation and overview of Fort Carson for the attendees, who included teachers, Civilian Aides to the Secretary of the Army and counselors.
The tour highlighted the capabilities and activities offered at Fort Carson, including a visit to the 10th Special Forces Group, a guided tour of the Army World Class Athletes program, briefs from combat medics and educational staff, a performance from the 4th Infantry Division Band and an opportunity to participate in a High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) simulator.
The tour also showcased Army facilities, housing, as well as the everyday activities undertaken by service members on Fort Carson.
The tour was led by Lt. Col. Brandon Oliveira, commander, Phoenix. Rec. Bn., who was joined by company commanders from Albuquerque and Tucson Recruiting Companies.
The tour was the most important event of the year for the battalion, as it allowed them to showcase elements of the Army the attendees might not be familiar with.
The tour also helped improve communication and recruiting efforts between the education establishment and Community Partners, including encouragement of individual relationships with education administrators, counselors, and teachers in the battalion area of operations.
Attending the trip was Stephanie Finch, counselor, Tolleson Union High School District, who said the tour changed her previous misconceptions about military service.
“It’s different when you get to go in person and see the Army up close for yourself. Seeing people who enjoy doing their job was really enlightening,” Finch said. “This trip has completely changed my opinion of the Army. I used to be one of those counselors who would tell students “You’re way too clever to join the military.” But seeing what really occurs on a daily basis and the amount of jobs and opportunities available blew my mind.”
Finch said she is excited to return and tell her students about the educational benefits offered by the Army and relay the positive aspects of serving.
“Finding out about the leadership positions, the difference between officers and enlisted, retirement options … my whole perception of the Army was blown away,” she said. “Learning about the education benefits these kids have and how the universities work with them was fascinating to me. I didn’t know the full extent of what the military can provide until this tour.”
Also attending the tour was Dayne Davis, teacher, Chaparral High School, Scottsdale, Ariz., who said she enjoyed learning about the different roles and structures within the Army.
“I had very minimal knowledge about the Army coming into this trip, aside from tuition assistance benefits,” Davis said. “After the last two days I’m confident I can go back and tell my students about the different experiences I had here and what the Army can do for them.”
The highlight of the trip for Davis was shooting a sniper rifle at the 10th Special Forces Group indoor shooting range on Fort Carson.
“My uncle used to be a sniper and I had no idea what went into the process until today – it was fantastic to have the chance to fire the rifle,” Davis said. “The whole trip was a great learning experience and I’m glad I attended. It opened up a lot of things for me educationally and professionally.”
| Date Taken: | 05.03.2021 |
| Date Posted: | 05.03.2021 16:49 |
| Story ID: | 395493 |
| Location: | FORT CARSON, CO, US |
| Web Views: | 143 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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