Photo By Lance Cpl. Andrea Cleopatra Dickerson | Lance Cpl. Elizabeth A. Deanes, a Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 motor vehicle...... read more read more
Subscribe
HAVELOCK, N.C. -- From outside looking in, it appeared business as usual, Wednesday, Dec. 14, at Arthur W. Edwards Elementary school.
But inside, Marines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 were volunteering their time and efforts to a class of kindergarteners, giving them a refreshing break from their ordinary day in the classroom as part of the Adopt a School Program.
“The program is an agreement set up between individual units aboard MCAS Cherry Point and local schools to allow Marines to assist educators by providing outside experience and educational messages the kids can relate to,” said 1st Lt. James P. Heg, MWSS-271 combat engineer platoon commander.
While talking with the children, it became evident to the Marines that most of the kids’ parents are Marines.
“We are here so the children can see what we do,” said Pfc. Dannieth M. Ellis, a supply clerk with MWSS-271. “We care about them and the community.”
During the visit, the unit set up one of their mine-resistant, ambush-protected all-terrain vehicles in front of the school and allowed the students to try on Kevlar helmets and flak jackets during various vehicle demonstrations.
“It is neat for the kids to be able to see what their parents may encounter on a daily basis,” said Lance Cpl. Elizabeth A. Deanes, a motor vehicle operator with MWSS-271. “Ultimately the kids want to see what we do up close.”
As a part of the demos, Deanes asked some of the kids about their aspirations.
“I had a good time getting to know the children,” she said. “They look up to us and treat us like we are the greatest people on earth. They were very intelligent and asked us a lot of awesome questions.”
At the end of the day the students did not want to see the Marines leave, said kindergartener Cyanni Burke. “I liked spending time with the Marines,” she said. “They listened to me and helped me with lots of different things.”
“This event made the bonds between Arthur Edwards Elementary School and the Marines of Marine Wing Support Squadron 271 closer and inspired the elementary school students,” said Heg. “We want the kids to continue to turn learning into a lifelong experience. No matter where they go in life, they will be able to use the skills that they are learning now.”
| Date Taken: | 12.14.2011 |
| Date Posted: | 12.22.2011 10:20 |
| Story ID: | 81684 |
| Location: | HAVELOCK, NORTH CAROLINA, US |
| Web Views: | 135 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, Cherry Point Marines volunteer at elementary school, by LCpl Andrea Cleopatra Dickerson, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
No keywords found.
