206th MI BN gets involved with community

504th Expeditionary Military Intelligence Brigade
Story by Sgt. Melissa Lessard

Date: 09.12.2019
Posted: 09.12.2019 10:48
News ID: 340060
Community engagement

The 206th Military Intelligence Battalion (Aerial Exploitation), 116th Military Intelligence Brigade (Aerial Intelligence), hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony at their new adopt-a-school, September 4 in Killeen, Texas.
Alice W. Douse Elementary School has only been around for three years and the 206th has been their partner for over a year. With the unit returning from deployment they were able to officially make the school theirs by placing a sign in front of the school. This marks the 117th school in all of the Fort Hood districts to be officially adopted by a unit.
Stephanie Ford, the principal, said that it is not every day they get to have a ceremony with Soldiers at their school. Soldiers who care about students’ education, social wellbeing, and being community partners.
“We appreciate all that you do outside of your primary duty…” she said.
All year the school will host various events that the 206th MI BN Soldiers can take part in, she said. They will have family nights, a science fair, as well as activities where Soldiers can read to the students.
Lt. Col. Marty Weaver, the 206th MI BN commander, said they are there for the teachers, counselors, and children. He gave thanks to the educators for raising and teaching the next generation of children.
After all official parties spoke, Ford and Weaver officially cut the ribbon and unveiled the adopt-a-school sign which proudly shows the 206th MI BN, 116th MI BDE will partner with the school. The adopt-a-school program assists with nurturing the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth of children in the Fort Hood area. Also, the program assists with public awareness of the Army’s mission while strengthening community relations.
In addition to the ceremony, the battalion donated over 500 school supplies. They collected the supplies over the summer during Operation Homefront.