COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. — A Soldier sat with a fifth-grade student at Centennial Elementary School Nov. 21, 2014, to help him with a rough draft of a paper due after the Thanksgiving break.
Soldiers from 2nd Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, regularly assist at the Colorado Springs school as part of the unit’s Adopt-a-School Program.
“It feels pretty amazing to be able to help kids as they learn,” said Spc. Christopher Palmer, signal system support specialist, Headquarters and Headquarters Troop, 2nd Special Troops Battalion, 2nd ABCT. “It is always good to give back to the community. When I was a kid I received a lot of help. It is uplifting to be able to do the same for these kids.”
Fifth-grader Armando Lopez said he really enjoys when the Soldiers visit his school.
“It feels really good when the Soldiers take their time to help us in school,” he said. “They help us with the work we are doing, and it helps us to learn more. They are pretty cool.”
Diana Abowitz, fifth-grade teacher, said she is glad Fort Carson has a program that allows Soldiers the time to mentor students and be positive role models for the children.
“I enjoy watching the children interact with the Soldiers,” she said. “At first they are kind of shy, but after a while they open up. It provides the kiddos another outlet for them to express themselves.
“I appreciate the Soldiers coming in and helping the children with their work,” Abowitz said. “I feel that it strengthens the bond of our community with the military.”
Fred Periquet, paraprofessional teacher, said he hopes another unit will be able to continue the program at the school following the deactivation of 2nd ABCT.
“It is very rewarding to watch the interactions between the students and Soldiers,” Periquet said. “It helps the kids forget the everyday stressors and helps to brighten their day. We are always happy to see [the Soldiers] … [they] are a treasure to these kids. [They] truly brighten their day and their smiles are absolutely priceless.”
Date Taken: | 11.21.2014 |
Date Posted: | 12.15.2014 15:53 |
Story ID: | 150343 |
Location: | COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO, US |
Web Views: | 42 |
Downloads: | 0 |
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