Photo By Lauren Harrah | Col. Michael J. Hester, garrison commander, Fort Bliss, left, and Brig. Gen. Jeffery...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas – An annual outreach program connecting Soldiers of 1st Armored Division with students in El Paso area schools kicked off the 2015-2016 school year with a ceremony Sept. 30, 2015 at the Centennial Club, here.
The Partners in Education program provides a way for Soldiers to make a difference within the local community through mentorship, tutoring, supporting school events and enhancing opportunities available to the students.
Eastwood High School Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps posted the Colors to open the ceremony as the Chapin High School Choir performed the National Anthem.
Broadwater, along with Col. Michael J. Hester, garrison commander, Fort Bliss, presented awards to the units and individual Soldiers who made significant contributions volunteering during the 2014-2015 school year.
“As an installation, we are fully committed and invested in the success of this program and understanding the impact it has on our community,” said Brig. Gen. Jeffery D. Broadwater, deputy commanding general of support, 1st Armored Division.
Among the distinguished Soldier volunteers was Cpl. Timothy Watters, LCS switch operator, 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, 32nd Army Air and Missile Defense Command, 1st Armored Division, who received the “Top Hours Award” for giving over 200 hours of service “making families and students feel welcome,” Trexler said.
Capt. Dustin La Duke, Army Capabilities Integration Center, Brigade Mobilization Command, was also recognized as the “Outstanding Volunteer of the Year,” for his work assisting with a science fair and robotic competition, as well as helping arrange an educational field trip to BMC for Nolan Richardson Middle School’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Math program.
“It’s an honor for Fort Bliss to be involved in the education of our youth in this community,” Broadwater said. “I want to thank you for your dedication, leadership and commitment to all of the families and students.”
Although the event serves to formally commence the 2015-2016 partnership, Soldiers have taken initiative and have already began helping the students, said Deborah Trexler, director, Youth Education Support Services. Soldiers were present on the first day of school welcoming students and their families.
“Through our Partnership in Education program, I am confident that our positive efforts will result in increased student performance, increased student self-esteem and motivation to continue on toward higher education,” Trexler said.
After the awards ceremony, Fort Bliss units partnered with educators to establish goals and standards for the success of the program through the upcoming school year.
| Date Taken: | 09.30.2015 |
| Date Posted: | 10.05.2015 18:39 |
| Story ID: | 178193 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TEXAS, US |
| Web Views: | 99 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
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