By Staff Sgt. Mylinda DuRousseau
5th Armored Public Affairs
EL PASO, Texas - “We are here to help,” said Lt. Col. Terrance Latson, commanding officer for 1st Battalion, 361st Brigade Support Battalion, 5th Armored Brigade, First Army Division West. “It’s all about the kids.”
Soldiers from 1-361 BSB joined Magoffin Middle School students and faculty for a special Breakfast With the Principle this week. The student symphonic orchestra performed as students in the art program composed paintings.
Following the performance, Latson and principle Yvonne Portillo signed a Partnerships In Education agreement officially recognizing the partnership between the Soldiers and the school faculty. The PIE program’s stated intent is to bring educators and Soldiers together with a goal of providing students the best education possible. Latson said the PIE program helps Soldiers become involved in their community and be a part of the school.
Portillo thanked the Soldiers and families for supporting the students and the program and spoke about the impact on students when the Soldiers join them for lunch, play sports with them and build relationships with them.
“It is reaching out to schools and having that partnership,” Portillo said. “We appreciate them coming to school and helping us out.”
As the event came to an end the Soldiers donated turkeys and hams along with other items to the school to help students in need and their families.
“Why not give back to the community since we are part of the community,” Latson Said. “It is really just about giving back.”